Addressing Health Disparities for the LGBTQ+ Community in Olmsted County: A Sustainable Development Goals Perspective

Introduction

Olmsted County continues to prioritize reducing health disparities faced by the LGBTQ+ community, a commitment that aligns closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities. This report outlines ongoing efforts, challenges, and data-driven insights aimed at improving healthcare access and outcomes for LGBTQ+ residents.

Background and Identified Priorities

Following a comprehensive survey conducted over the past three years, Olmsted County Public Health identified critical gaps in healthcare access for LGBTQ+ individuals. The community highlighted three main priority areas:

1. Access to medical and dental care
2. Mental health services
3. Substance use treatment

Analysis revealed that non-heterosexual adults experience significant disparities across all these areas, underscoring the need for targeted interventions.

Health Disparities and Contributing Factors

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) reports that LGBTQ+ adults face higher rates of chronic diseases, including:

• Arthritis
• Asthma
• High blood pressure and cholesterol
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Diabetes
• Long COVID
• Stroke

Approximately 40% of these disparities are attributed to social and economic determinants such as discrimination, trauma, housing instability, food insecurity, and lack of supportive resources, reflecting challenges addressed under SDG 1: No Poverty and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Barriers to Healthcare Access

One of the most significant barriers for LGBTQ+ individuals is finding healthcare providers who are knowledgeable and accepting of their identities. This barrier often leads to delayed or avoided care, as highlighted by the following statistics from 2024:

• 59% of LGBTQ+ adults reported delaying healthcare, compared to 33% of heterosexual adults.
• 29% of LGBTQ+ residents lack a personal healthcare provider versus 14% of heterosexual residents.
• 20% of LGBTQ+ individuals are uninsured compared to 3% of heterosexuals.
• Higher rates of delayed medical, dental, and mental health care among LGBTQ+ populations.

These disparities emphasize the need for inclusive healthcare systems, supporting SDG 3 and SDG 10.

Impact of Policy and Community Health Initiatives

Healthcare providers such as Community Health Service Inc. (CHSI) are actively working to reduce barriers, especially for uninsured and migrant populations. However, federal policy changes, including Medicaid cuts, threaten to exacerbate access challenges by limiting preventative care services.

Efforts to foster a sense of belonging and understanding within healthcare settings are critical to improving health outcomes and align with SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.

Family Acceptance and Mental Health Outcomes

Research from the Family Acceptance Project (FAP) demonstrates the profound impact of family support on LGBTQ+ youth health outcomes. Key findings include:

• A 629% increase in depression risk among those experiencing high family rejection.
• A 328% increase in illegal drug use.
• An 857% increase in suicide attempts.

Conversely, affirming and supportive family environments significantly improve wellness and belonging, contributing to SDG 3 and SDG 5: Gender Equality.

Resources and Community Support

Olmsted County provides a dedicated portal offering a comprehensive list of LGBTQ+ resources, including:

• Hotlines
• Gender-affirming care
• Mental health services
• General physical healthcare
• HIV/AIDS treatment
• Support groups

These resources support the community’s health and well-being, fostering inclusivity and equity in line with the SDGs.

Conclusion

Olmsted County’s ongoing commitment to addressing LGBTQ+ health disparities exemplifies a holistic approach to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. By focusing on equitable healthcare access, mental health support, and social inclusion, the county advances global objectives for health, equality, and sustainable communities.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article focuses on health disparities and access to healthcare for LGBTQ+ individuals, addressing issues such as chronic diseases, mental health, and preventive care.
2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • The article highlights inequalities faced by LGBTQ+ people in accessing healthcare and social services due to discrimination, trauma, and social exclusion.
3. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • By focusing on LGBTQ+ health and acceptance, the article touches on gender identity and sexual orientation issues, which are integral to achieving gender equality and empowering all genders.
4. SDG 1: No Poverty
   • References to housing instability, food insecurity, and lack of resources imply connections to poverty reduction efforts.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.4: Reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
   • Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including access to quality essential healthcare services and access to safe, effective, quality, and affordable essential medicines and vaccines.
2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
3. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • Target 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere, which can be extended to include LGBTQ+ individuals facing discrimination.
4. SDG 1: No Poverty
   • Target 1.4: Ensure that all men and women, particularly the poor and vulnerable, have equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to basic services.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Healthcare Access Indicators
   • Percentage of LGBTQ+ adults reporting delayed healthcare (59% vs. 33% for heterosexuals).
   • Percentage of LGBTQ+ residents without a personal doctor or healthcare provider (29% vs. 14%).
   • Percentage of LGBTQ+ residents without health insurance (20% vs. 3%).
   • Rates of delayed access to medical, dental, and mental health care among LGBTQ+ vs. heterosexual residents.
2. Health Outcome Indicators
   • Prevalence rates of chronic diseases among LGBTQ+ adults (arthritis, asthma, high blood pressure, diabetes, etc.).
   • Mental health outcomes such as rates of depression, drug use, and suicide attempts linked to family acceptance or rejection.
3. Social Determinants of Health Indicators
   • Measures of housing instability, food insecurity, and experiences of discrimination or trauma.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: kaaltv.com