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AHS announces health advisory council focusing on sexual orientation and gender identity

Dec 13, 2018 | 9:25 PM

EDMONTON — Alberta Health Services will be launching a new provincial advisory council next year focusing on sexual and gender diverse patients.

The Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE) Provincial Advisory Council was announced on Thursday. The council will address the health needs of sexual and gender minorities in the province, and will include people from across Alberta who have lived experience in the healthcare system and understand the needs of members of the LGBTQ2S+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and 2 Spirit) community.

“It is vital that all Albertans feel comfortable accessing health services in safe, inclusive and highly supportive environments,” says Minister of Health Sarah Hoffman in a news release. “I look forward to working with the advisory council to better meet the healthcare needs of gender and sexual diverse communities.”

Council members will advise AHS on appropriate programs, services and strategies to address stigma within the healthcare system, and give AHS employees information about about working with people in these communities.

Consultation about the new advisory council with the LGBTQ2s+ community took place between May and October, according to the news release. More than 60 people were involved in direct consultation.

Recruitment for the council is underway, and application information can be found here. 

Health councils focused on cancer care, addiction and mental health, and seniors care are already in place in Alberta.