Kankakee, IL – The Kankakee County Health Department, in a significant step towards inclusive healthcare, has formed a partnership with the Kankakee Area LGBTQ Network to observe LGBT Awareness Week. According to the department’s social media outreach, this alliance is focused on broadening the scope of health-related conversations to encompass the unique needs of the LGBTQ community.
The initiative seeks to address the gaps identified by the CDC, where many healthcare providers do not routinely discuss or collect data on sexual orientation or gender identity. The Kankakee County Health Department acknowledges the diversity within patient backgrounds and recognizes that LGBTQ individuals often face distinct health challenges. By collaborating with the Kankakee Area LGBTQ Network, the department aims to foster a more inclusive health care environment.
This partnership will lead to the implementation of new protocols for collecting a wide array of patient information. Categories such as preferred name, gender pronouns, sexual orientation, sexual behavior, sexual attraction, sex assigned at birth, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, and relationship status will now be systematically documented. This comprehensive data collection is instrumental for the provision of respectful, personalized, and competent healthcare, ensuring that every individual receives care that acknowledges their whole self. With this effort, Kankakee County is paving the way for a healthcare model that champions equality and patient-centered care.
