by Sarah Heinonen | Aug 15, 2024 | Local News, Northampton
The Reminder
Three years ago, transgender and gender-diverse people in Western Massachusetts were given a new option for inclusive healthcare with the opening of Transhealth, a Northampton organization focusing on providing care to these underserved populations. Reminder Publishing checked in with Transhealth CEO in Western Massachusetts to see how the organization has fared since opening and what work still needs to be done.
A 2022 Pew Research Center survey found that 1.6% of U.S. adults are transgender or nonbinary — their gender differs from the sex they were assigned at birth. In July 2021, the American Heart Association found that there are higher levels of heart disease among transgender and gender diverse people which are linked to the stress of experiencing discrimination and transphobia at personal and societal levels. Poorer health outcomes are also linked to lack of equitable access to care and higher levels of smoking and overweight or obesity.
A separate 2022 Pew survey reflected, “Many focus group participants who have sought medical treatment for their gender transition faced barriers, although some had positive experiences. For those who said there were barriers, the cost and the struggle to find sympathetic doctors were often cited as challenges.” The survey included reports of being turned away for treatment, lacking insurance coverage for certain procedures and having to “jump through hoops.” However, others in the survey said access to care has become easier than it was decades ago.
Transhealth is the only healthcare organization in Massachusetts devoted solely to serving the trans and gender-diverse community, said Joan Erwin. Erwin became CEO in late 2022, after serving as the organization’s chief operating officer. The organization was founded on the pillars of physical and mental health care, research, education and advocacy.
Since opening, Transhealth has served 2,380 individual patients, not including those who use the community room. Transhealth offers primary care, pediatric care, mental healthcare and gender-affirming hormonal care, a pharmacy and community programming, which includes social and educational groups, a drop-in space, events and a community closet. Transhealth’s website describes it as “a hub” for trans and gender-diverse community, providing healthcare, community and resources.
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