Health Equity
LGBTQ individuals imagine a world where every member of the community, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, can access high-quality health services without any fear of discrimination or stigma. They envision a place where LGBTQ individuals can walk into a healthcare facility and be met with affirmation, understanding, and the best possible care.
What You Need To Know
0
of Florida mental health professionals report no graduate training in LGBTQ+ best practices
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mental health and healthcare providers trained by the EQFL Health Equity Team
0
of training participants report increased understanding of LGBTQ+ needs
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of summit attendees report strengthened work and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community
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Our Vision in Action
LGBTQ individuals are facing unique healthcare challenges. Many are confronted with stigma and discrimination in society, community, and in healthcare settings, deterring them from seeking the necessary preventative care and treatment they deserve. To make matters worse, higher rates of mental health issues and chronic conditions resulting from barriers to care have been exacerbated by recent legislative actions, making it increasingly difficult for LGBTQ individuals to receive adequate support.Â
To address the unique healthcare challenges faced by the LGBTQ community, we initiated a comprehensive statewide audit of approximately 150 healthcare systems. This analysis aimed to evaluate the existing efforts, initiatives, policies, and training in Florida’s hospitals and healthcare facilities. The findings were clear: the majority of these institutions lack LGBTQ inclusive policies, practices, and patient services, highlighting a critical need for intervention.Â
In response to the audit, we launched the “Allies in Health” program. This initiative is a critical step towards transforming the vision of equitable healthcare into reality, focusing on a series of strategic actions designed to enhance the quality of care for LGBTQ individuals.Â
Through training, resources, summits, and policy advocacy, we are creating sustainable change that benefits LGBTQ patients across Florida. Health Equity is more than just a program, it’s a lifeline for the community, advancing access to high quality care and improving lives statewide.
Key Initiatives:
- In-Person Trainings: Empowering healthcare teams with hands-on, trauma-informed training with thousands of providers now equipped to deliver LGBTQ-affirming care statewide.
- Regional Behavioral Health Summits: Dynamic, full-day convenings connecting hundreds of allied professionals to advance learning, spark collaboration, and drive real mental health equity.
- Health Equity Toolkit: A practical, cutting-edge guide for hospitals and systems with strategies, tools, and resources to transform policies, practices, and LGBTQ patient-centered care.
- Policy Advocacy: Partnering with healthcare leaders to reform policies, expand HIV-inclusive services, and accelerate LGBTQ-inclusive practices across Florida.
Dr. Noelle DeLaCruz
Director of Health Equity
Dr. Noelle DeLaCruz (she/her) is a FL Licensed and Nationally Certified School Psychologist and Certified Child & Adolescent Trauma Professional. She holds a Master’s degree in School Psychology from the State University of New York University at Buffalo and a Doctor of Psychology degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey. Noelle was an Associate Instructor for the Crisis Prevention Institute and has worked in public schools and private practice for nearly two decades. Through her current role as Director of Health Equity, Noelle provides structural and collaborative support within educational, community, and healthcare settings to ensure that LGBTQ+ individuals receive the highest standard of affirming and inclusive care. She leads Equality Florida’s Mental Health Advisory Committee and collaborates with statewide professional organizations to develop training and implement initiatives that prioritize suicide prevention and affirmative care for LGBTQ+ youth, clients, and families.
The Florida Association of School Psychologists deeply values our partnership with Equality Florida. They have supported our efforts to educate and empower our members in their efforts to support LGBTQ+ students and create affirming spaces for learning. Equality Florida’s state-wide network of allied professionals also presents a unique opportunity to collaborate with other organizations to embrace every child’s right to feel supported and valued. I cannot speak highly enough of Equality Florida’s staff and their leadership in advancing protections for LGBTQ+ individuals and addressing systemic biases within Florida’s institutions.
