HUGE WIN! New York Governor Hochul Signs Legislative Package to Address Healthcare Disparities in the LGBTQIA+ Community!
Legislation (A.9604/S.8937) Authorizes Runaway and Homeless Youth Under 18 Receiving Support Services To Consent to their Medical, Dental, Health, and Hospital Care
Legislation (A.1880A/S.2534A) Requires Home Health Aides and Nurse's Aides To Receive Training in Working with Patients of Diverse Sexual Orientations and Gender Identities
"Every member of the LGBTQ+ community deserves health care that is available, accessible, and equitable," Governor Hochul said. "It is critical that we create a more welcoming, inclusive, and affirming health care environment in order to improve health care outcomes for the LGBTQ+ community, particularly vulnerable youth. We will continue to press forward in the fight for LGBTQ+ equity in New York State."
According to a 2020 study by UCLA Williams Institute, 40% of homeless youth identify as LGBTQ and over 20% of them are under the age of 18. Governor Hochul's legislative package to allow runaway and homeless minors to self-consent to life-saving healthcare, while also requiring health aides and nurse's aides to receive training will help so many teens who are living in fear, sadless, and isolation. We at Teens for Vaccines are incredibly grateful for the leadership in the NY legislature!
* https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-signs-legislative-package-address-health-care-disparities-lgbtq-community
* https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/wp-content/uploads/LGBT-Homelessness-May-2020.pdf
#lgbtq🌈 #equity #healthcare #newyork #nyc #teens #consent #law