Institute of Medicine Examines Health Concerns of GLBT Community

The Institute of Medicine, arm of the National Academy of Sciences, is conducting its first review and prepare a report assessing the state of the science on the health status of GLBT populations.

As part of the study, the IOM committee will identify research gaps and opportunities related to GLBT health and outline a research agenda that will assist the National Institutes of Health in enhancing its research efforts in this area. Additionally, the committee will consider research training needs to foster the advancement of knowledge about GLBT health and identify impediments that hinder such advancement.

Dr. Jason Schneider, past president of The Gay and Lesbian Medical Association, went to the first committee meeting on Feb. 1 to provide input on the study.

In the presentation made by Dr. Schneider, GLMA asked that the IOM “not shy away from strong recommendations related to politically charged issues. Legal recognition of same-sex relationships and marriages, non-discrimination in employment, and same-sex parenting and families are topics that, while polarizing, directly affect the health and wellness of LGBT people.  These issues are deserving of special focus as research gaps and opportunities.”

GLMA members Robert Garofalo, MD; Judy Bradford, PhD; and Harvey Makadon, MD have been appointed to the IOM study committee. GLMA will also continue to assist and participate in future activities organized by the committee.  

To read GLMA’s testimony to the IOM’s Committee on LGBT Health Issues and Research Gaps and Opportunities, go to http://www.glma.org/_data/n_0001/resources/live/GLMA_Presentation_to_IOM....

Submitted by Editor on Tue, 02/02/2010 - 9:07pm.

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