COVID-19 and Vulnerable Populations: The Need to Support Improved Care for LGBTQ+ Individuals in the United States

Abstract

During the COVID-19 pandemic, marginalized populations are at a higher risk for health complications While this virus is capable of infecting anyone, existing health inequities in the United States have resulted in a much larger impact on marginalized communities It is vital that healthcare providers, policymakers, and other decision makers are aware of the increased risks for vulnerable populations LGBTQ+ individuals are considered a vulnerable population and have increased risks of severe complications from COVID-19 Currently, there still remains a gap in medical providers’ knowledge of the specific medical challenges that LGBTQ+ individuals face Scientific data on how LGBTQ+ people are susceptible to more severe complications from a COVID-19 infection will hopefully supplement healthcare provider’s understanding of the challenges this community faces during this health crisis In turn, these efforts can increase the likelihood that LGBTQ+ individuals receive affirming and competent care At the same time, the impact of these efforts to increase health equity and healthcare services for LGBTQ+ individuals during the COVID-19 crisis must be evaluated to determine effectiveness and potential for scalability in the United States and across the world © 2021 Common Ground Research Networks, Danielle Pacheco, Trent Baldwin, Katherine E Soule, Published by Common Ground Research Networks Attribution License (CC BY 4 0) Permissions: cgscholar com/cg_support All Rights Reserved