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Addressing the health needs of gender diverse people in rural America.

Rural Voices is a day-long summit for health and social service professionals to learn how to improve care for transgender and gender diverse people living in rural America. The Equitas Health Institute hosts the summit every other year in Athens, Ohio in collaboration with the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine and the Ohio University Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Center.

The next Rural Voices will be held in the spring of 2020.


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The learning objectives for Rural Voices are:

  • Develop a foundational knowledge about gender diversity, including health needs and disparities.
  • Increase skills and confidence for providing medical and behavioral health services to transgender and gender diverse communities.
  • Identify strategies to meet the unique healthcare needs of gender diverse communities in a rural context.
  • Connect health and social service providers with resources for transgender & gender diverse communities.

Some highlights from the 2018 Rural Voices Summit:

Keynote: “The Next Genderation: Meeting the Needs of Gender Diverse and Transgender Youth Across Development” by Scott Leibowitz, MD

“Prescribing Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy: The Basics” by Jane Balbo, DO, MHA

“Trans-Affirming Letter Writing: Best Practices and Challenges for Behavioral Health Providers” by L. Justin Wheeler, LISW-S & Michelle Pride, PhD

“Stigma and Discrimination: A Patient Perspective” with moderator Susan Young, PhD

“Navigating Coming Out: A Journey of Self-Discovery & Understanding ” Panel featuring Jody Davis, RN, MSW, LISW,  Theodore Hutchinson, PhD, and Marek Samblanet, MSRS. Moderated by Susan Young, PhD and Michelle Pride, PhD.

“Voice and Language Intervention” by Sarah Taylor, MA CCC SLP

“Accessing PrEP Services in Rural Ohio: Identifying Those at a Higher Risk of Contracting HIV and Other STI’s and Linking Them to Preventative Services” by Randle Moore and Cory Frederick, M.Ed.

“But What About Our Elders? Issues for Trans and Gender Non-Conforming Older Adults” by Theodore Hutchinson, PhD

“How Do We Provide Gender-Affirming Care in a Rural Context?” by Jane Balbo, DO, MHA