Amid Outbreaks in Other Cities, Baltimore LGBT Community Urged to Get VACCINATED Against Hepatitis A

Baltimore health authorities are urging local gay and bisexual men to get vaccinated against hepatitis A following reports of outbreaks of the disease among LGBT communities in other cities nationwide. A highly contagious disease, hep A causes a variety of symptoms which can last a few weeks in mild cases, to a few months in more severe cases. It can be prevented through a widely available vaccination. We asked Dr. Sebastian Ruhs, director of Chase Brexton’s Infectious Diseases Center of Excellence, to provide some details on hep A and how to get vaccinated.

The LGBT Health Resource Center’s Best Tips of 2017

The past year has seen amazing growth at The LGBT Health Resource Center, as we’ve launched many new programs, new support groups, and new services to help members of our community live their happiest, healthiest lives. Before we move on to all the exciting things in store in 2018, we wanted to take a moment to recap some of our favorite tips we’ve provided here in OUTLoud over the last 12 months. From all of us at The LGBT Health Resource Center and Chase Brexton Health Care, best wishes for a happy, joyous, and healthy New Year!

Hepatitis C Poses Risk to LGBT Elders, But Treatment and Cure are Available

Millions of Americans are living with hepatitis C, a blood-borne disease that attacks the liver and if left untreated can cause severe health problems. But three in four people infected were born between 1945 and 1965, making LGBT elders particularly susceptible to the disease.

Holiday Havoc?

Depression, Loneliness During Winter Months Can Lead to Increased Risk of Suicide for LGBT Elders For many LGBT individuals, especially elders, the winter months can be a cold and lonely time. For some, feelings of sadness and depression can take a deep hold, and lead them to consider suicide. It’s important that those who may be experiencing isolation or depression, and the people close to them, understand the warning signs and risks of suicide during the winter months. Support and assistance is available to those who need it. Kate Bishop, education coordinator at the LGBT Health Resource Center, offers the […]

Medicare & Beyond

Helping LGBT Elders Navigate Health Benefits • Workshop Nov. 9th Untangling the complex and sometimes intimidating world of health benefits can be difficult for many LGBT elders. What kind of coverage do you need for your lifestyle? What documents and paperwork will you need to show? Where should you even start? Fortunately, these questions and many more will be answered at an upcoming Lunch & Learn event hosted by The LGBT Health Resource Center and presented by Sara Abrams and Mike Willis of Chase Brexton Health Care’s Case Management department. The Lunch & Learn workshop will take place on Thursday, […]

Spirit Day–Support for LGBT Youth & Against Bullying October 19th

Despite the progress made nationwide in recent years, LGBTQ youth face harassment and bullying at rates far in excess of others their age. Those incidents can lead to feelings of physical insecurity, hopelessness, and even self-harm. To provide a public show of support for these youth and their allies, October 19th has been designated as Spirit Day, a chance for all Americans to “Go Purple” and let younger LGBTQ individuals know they are not alone. We asked Kate Bishop, Education Coordinator at The LGBT Health Resource Center of Chase Brexton Health Care, to tell us a little more about Spirit […]

National HIV/AIDS & Aging Awareness Day to be Honored September 18th

Each year, September 18th is honored as National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day, a time to recognize the struggles and triumphs of HIV-positive elders, and highlight the challenges they still face. The LGBT Health Resource Center has created a place for these individuals to share their stories and draw strength from each other with its new LGBTQ 50-plus HIV Group. We asked the group’s coordinator, Monte Ephraim, LCSW-C, to share more about this important day.