OutCare Health, a 501c3 nonprofit, is leading the charge for LGBTQ+ health equity worldwide, empowering millions of LGBTQ+ individuals with comprehensive resources, support, and education. Our initiatives range from the OutList directory of affirming healthcare providers to mentorship, health equity training, community building, support groups, care navigation, consulting services, and more. Our vision is to create a world where every LGBTQ+ person has access to quality healthcare and feels empowered to live their healthiest, most authentic life.
Welcome to OutCare!
The most comprehensive and trusted resource for LGBTQ+ health equity.
Who We Are
The Vision
At OutCare Health, we envision a world where every LGBTQ+ individual receives equitable and inclusive healthcare, free from discrimination and bias. As a national nonprofit healthcare equity organization, we strive to bridge the gap between healthcare providers and LGBTQ+ communities by providing comprehensive education, resources, and training. Our ultimate goal is to transform LGBTQ+ healthcare and promote health equity for all.
The Mission
OutCare Health is dedicated to promoting health equity for LGBTQ+ communities through innovative initiatives that drive systemic change. We provide a range of national resources and programs, including the OutList directory of LGBTQ+ affirming providers, a community resource database, a mentorship program, the OutTalk series on diversity and intersectionality, OutPost blogs, LGBTQ+ research, and health equity training. Our mission is to ensure that every LGBTQ+ individual has access to quality, affirming healthcare services, cultivate a renewed trust in the healthcare system, and ultimately improve outcomes.
Who We Support
We are dedicated to supporting a diverse ecosystem within the healthcare industry, including patients, providers, health plans, and health systems. Our comprehensive approach ensures that every individual seeking or providing care receives the resources and support necessary for a welcoming and affirming healthcare experience. For patients, we offer guidance to find LGBTQ+ affirming providers and access vital resources. Providers can benefit from our training and inclusion in the OutList directory to enhance their practice. Health plans and systems receive our expertise in data partnerships, care navigation, and consulting to improve inclusivity, education, and care delivery across the board. Click below to learn how OutCare Health can support you in creating a more equitable healthcare landscape.
The OutCare Story
OutCare Health was established in May 2015 with a mission to address a critical gap in the healthcare system: the lack of accessible, affirming healthcare for LGBTQ+ individuals. The inspiration for OutCare came from recognizing the tangible fear and hesitation that LGBTQ+ communities experience when seeking medical care, often due to the risk of judgment and discrimination. This insight led to the creation of an initiative aimed at enhancing the visibility and accessibility of affirming healthcare resources, initially within Indiana.
As the initiative’s influence grew, it became clear that the challenges facing LGBTQ+ health equity were not confined to any single region but were national and international in scope. This understanding catalyzed the evolution of the initiative into OutCare Health, a dedicated organization focused on promoting LGBTQ+ health equity across broader communities.
OutCare Health has since emerged as a premier resource for LGBTQ+ healthcare, supporting not just patients but also providers, health plans, and health systems. At the core of our services is the OutList, a comprehensive online directory of LGBTQ+ affirming healthcare providers, which serves as a critical tool for individuals seeking safe and supportive healthcare environments.
In addition to the OutList, OutCare Health actively works to uplift LGBTQ+ healthcare through various programs and services. Our Mentorship Program forges meaningful connections, supporting LGBTQ+ individuals in their educational and professional development. We are deeply involved in healthcare education, offering extensive provider training and advocating for inclusive medical curricula to ensure a more affirming healthcare landscape.
Our outreach extends into the community, where we offer free support groups, distribute educational materials, and participate in events to raise awareness about LGBTQ+ healthcare resources. The OutTalk series, launched in response to the pandemic, provides a platform for discussions on innovative solutions to LGBTQ+ healthcare challenges, engaging community members, leaders, and organizations.
OutCare Health’s commitment also encompasses supporting healthcare organizations, including health plans and systems, through data partnerships, care navigation, and consulting services. Our aim is to foster a healthcare ecosystem that is informed, inclusive, and dedicated to the well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals.
By taking a comprehensive and multifaceted approach, OutCare Health strives to build a healthcare system that is equitable, trustworthy, and affirming for all LGBTQ+ individuals. Our mission is grounded in the belief that everyone deserves access to healthcare that respects and affirms their identity. OutCare Health remains steadfast in leading the charge towards realizing this vision for LGBTQ+ health equity.
Our Values
We believe in promoting healthcare equity for all individuals, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status.
We strive to preserve the dignity of LGBTQ+ communities through affirming and inclusive healthcare services.
We are committed to providing access to comprehensive healthcare information and resources for LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies.
We foster collaborative relationships among healthcare providers, institutions, and communities to promote inclusive and affirming care.
We aim to create a supportive community that offers social and health support for LGBTQ+ individuals.
Our Objectives
Community
- Enhance the visibility and accessibility of LGBTQ+ affirming healthcare providers through the OutList directory.
- Establish a comprehensive database of LGBTQ+ healthcare services to provide patients with easy access to quality care.
- Foster open discussions around pressing issues related to diversity and intersectionality in LGBTQ+ healthcare.
- Facilitate collaboration and networking among community members, leaders, and healthcare organizations to promote LGBTQ+ health equity.
Education & Research
- Provide comprehensive and inclusive LGBTQ+ training programs to healthcare professionals, educators, and students at all levels.
- Conduct innovative academic research that explores the intersections of gender identity, sexual orientation, and healthcare disparities in order to inform policies and practices that promote health equity for LGBTQ+ communities.
- Partner with educational institutions to revise and integrate LGBTQ+ topics into existing curricula, including health professions education, with the goal of increasing the cultural competency of future healthcare providers.
- Develop and provide mentorship opportunities that empower LGBTQ+ students and healthcare professionals to achieve academic and professional success, and to foster a diverse, inclusive, and culturally responsive workforce.
Healthcare Providers
- Foster an inclusive provider community through educational training, resources, and events that promote cultural competency and LGBTQ+ health equity.
- Create and distribute accessible and informative healthcare materials to support providers in delivering quality care to LGBTQ+ patients.
- Develop and facilitate opportunities for professional development, such as seminars, conferences, and networking events, to connect providers and share best practices in LGBTQ+ healthcare.
- Offer personalized consultation services on LGBTQ+ patients and practices to enhance providers’ understanding and improve the quality of care, while showcasing providers’ education and experiences to the public through our OutList directory.
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