Gender-affirming care in the midwest: Reaching rural populations

Creator(s)

Jonathan Poquiz
Christine Moser, Children's Mercy HospitalFollow
Frances Grimstad
Kathryn Boman, Children's Mercy Hospital
Seth Sonnevile, Children's Mercy HospitalFollow
Angela L. Turpin, Children's Mercy HospitalFollow
Anna Egan, Children's Mercy HospitalFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

4-2021

Identifier

DOI: 10.1037/rmh0000174

Abstract

We describe health disparities and barriers to gender-affirming care that disproportionately affect transgender and gender diverse (TGD) youth residing in rural areas and describe a service model focused on reducing barriers and improving access to care that can be built upon. Interdisciplinary health teams located in urban areas can implement solutions at multiple system levels from health service delivery to community and individual patient considerations. We describe steps we have taken to improve access to gender-affirming health care, to increase community support, and provide resources and recommendations on how rural providers can collaborate to improve health outcomes for rural TGD youth. Access to gender-affirming care and supports improves health outcomes for TGD youth. Collaboration between urban and rural providers can assist in identifying methods to provide gender-affirming care to support the health and well-being of rural TGD youth.

Journal Title

Journal of Rural Mental Health

Volume

45

Issue

2

First Page

121

Last Page

128

Recommended Citation

Poquiz, J., Moser, C. N., Grimstad, F., Boman, K., Sonneville, S. A., Turpin, A., & Egan, A. M. (2021). Gender-affirming care in the midwest: Reaching rural populations. Journal of Rural Mental Health, 45(2), 121–128. https://doi.org/10.1037/rmh0000174