Lesbian Health Initiative HoustonDid you hear the joke about the lesbian health fair?
…everyone agreed that women’s health care was a serious issue and should not be made the subject of juvenile humor.
But seriously folks, the Lesbian Health Initiative of Houston will host its Fall Health Fair Saturday, November 5, at the new Legacy Community Health Services building, 1415 California, from 9 am to 3 pm. The fair provides an opportunity for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT)-identified women, and female bodied men of trans history to receive medical screenings they might otherwise not be able to afford.
“What LHI has always done is work to eliminate barriers to health care for LGBT women,” says Liz James, CEO of the Lesbian Health Initiative of Houston. James feels that many LGBT woman worry that health care providers will not provide them with care in a way that is culturally sensitive. As a result “Far to often people don’t seek or get care until they are ill, by then many are in advanced stages of a disease process. The reality is that people aren’t getting adequate care because of the lack of culturally competent care.”
Scheduled guests include OB/GYN Mary Alice Cowan, M.D., Chiropractor Dr. Jennifer Nguyen, attorney Kristen Capps, fitness coach Shana Ross and Marie Boydstun with the American Cancer Society. Those attending the fair will also have an opportunity to learn more about health services provided by LHI and its partners.
Screenings available include mammograms, pap tests, well-woman exams, skin and body scans, bone density tests, flu shots and extensive blood screenings including those for cholesterol, thyroid, STDs, and blood sugar levels. If you are interested in scheduling screenings e-mail info@lhihouston.org or call 713-426-3356 and leave your name, phone number and email address. LHI warns that there are a limited number of appointment times available and that they do go quickly.
“It’s a big job, but we’re up for it,” says James. “together we can be very powerful.”