Central Illinois Friends is among 15 organizations chosen to receive a share of over $1 million through the state’s fresh Transgender and Gender-Diverse (TGD) Wellness and Equity Program.
The program, initiated by the Illinois Department of Human Services and Public Health Institute of Metropolitan Chicago (PHIMC), aims to broaden gender-affirming healthcare access for the LGBTQ+ community.
“Delivering services that grasp the distinctiveness of this group, that prioritize ensuring they feel validated and embraced, is crucial,” remarked PHIMC CEO Karen Reitan. “This population has not previously had statewide access to such affirming services, and it’s high time they did.”
Reitan clarified that the funding is designated for specific program purposes. A portion will be allocated to recruit individuals to aid the LGBTQ+ community in navigating the healthcare system, with the remainder earmarked for distinct projects.
Central Illinois Friends already provides services like transgender health navigation specialists, gender-affirming hormone therapy, and speech pathology services. Leaders anticipate that the funding will elevate the quality of these services.
Furthermore, the funding will assist in financing an affirmative counseling program at Central Illinois Friends’ upcoming LGBTQ community center clinic.
“Gaining access to resources such as hormones, surgeries, affirmative counseling, or affirmative psychiatry is challenging, significantly so,” remarked Public Relations Manager Selena Pappas. “Having programs like this, which reduce barriers to entry for trans individuals, is immensely beneficial.”
Pappas highlighted that even with affirming providers, not all physicians are proficient in transgender care. She emphasized that the state grant’s ability to train more physicians would enable them to cater to a larger number of clients with a higher level of care.
“We also want our physicians to grasp the unique challenges faced by gender-diverse individuals, and initiatives like this help alleviate the health disparities faced by those from more marginalized communities,” added Pappas.
Ron Lombard, a nurse practitioner at Peoria’s University of Illinois College of Medicine’s Positive Health Solutions (PHS), is qualified to administer gender-affirming care.
In addition to nurse practitioners, the clinic offers psychiatric counseling to address the mental health needs of their patients and pediatricians who assist families seeking LGBTQ services for children.
Lombard noted an influx of patients who previously sought care in Chicago or out of state but can now access care in Peoria.
“Many of the patients we see often feel apprehensive when seeking healthcare,” Lombard explained. “They may have encountered stigma or discomfort with previous providers, so we endeavor to create a safe, inclusive environment.”
Central Illinois Friends will host the counseling program alongside its other services in its new community center. The organization anticipates the center’s opening next month.
