Today, after raising the progress Pride Flag outside the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) headquarters, HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra and other HHS leaders released statements to celebrate Pride Month.
HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra remarked, “Each year during Pride Month we celebrate the LGBTQI+ leaders, activists, and trailblazers... We all are freer because of people like Marsha P. Johnson, Dr. Sara Josephine Baker, and Dr. John Ercel Fryer." He highlighted ongoing efforts within the Biden-Harris Administration to build a more equitable future and emphasized that "we have made tremendous progress but know there is much work still to be done."
Andrea Palm, HHS Deputy Secretary, stated, “HHS is doing the work to make sure the LGBTQI+ community has the same access to care and resources as all Americans.” She pointed out initiatives such as civil rights affirmations in HHS-funded programs and specialized support for LGBTQI+ youth on the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Jeff Hild from ACF affirmed support for LGBTQI2S+ children and families through actions like strengthening regulations for safe foster care placements. Alison Barkoff of ACL celebrated diversity within the LGBTQI+ community during Pride Month and reaffirmed commitment to respectful service provision.
Renee Wegrzyn of ARPA-H honored the courage of LGBTQI+ individuals while stressing continued efforts towards an inclusive world. Dawn O’Connell from ASPR highlighted partnerships with the LGBTQI+ community in public health preparedness.
CDC Director Mandy Cohen underscored efforts to address health disparities affecting LGBTQI+ individuals. Chiquita Brooks-LaSure of CMS emphasized high-quality healthcare for LGBTQI+ people as part of their vision.
FDA Commissioner Robert M. Califf stressed inclusivity in clinical trials for advancing health equity. Roselyn Tso from IHS reiterated commitment to providing quality healthcare for Two Spirit and LGBTQI+ Indigenous people.
Miriam E. Delphin-Rittmon from SAMHSA noted dual purposes of Pride Month: celebrating joy and commemorating struggles within the LGBTQI+ community while addressing higher prevalence rates of substance use and mental health issues among them.
Melanie Fontes Rainer from OCR reflected on stories heard from LGBTQI+ communities across America emphasizing continued safeguarding of civil rights protections. Monica Bertagnolli from NIH expressed pride in inclusive clinical trials representing sexual and gender diverse communities.
Admiral Rachel Levine stressed addressing health disparities within the LGBTQI+ community focusing on ending HIV epidemic among other goals. U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy conveyed solidarity with LGBTQI+ youth in their fight against discrimination.
Samuel R. Bagenstos reflected on achievements by the LGBTQI+ movement while acknowledging ongoing threats to equal treatment. Loyce Pace highlighted global commitments towards health equity for all including LGBTQ+ individuals.
Robert Otto Valdez reaffirmed AHRQ’s commitment to creating inclusive healthcare settings for high-quality patient care regardless of identity. Carole Johnson celebrated HRSA’s role in advancing health equity through various programs supporting the LGBTQI+ community.
Micky Tripathi discussed ONC’s advancements in data standards crucial for understanding health inequities including those affecting the LGBTQI+ community leading to better patient outcomes.
Jeff Nesbit acknowledged contributions by members of the LGBTQI+ community in keeping communities healthy emphasizing expansion of access to care without discrimination at HHS.
Bertha Alisia Guerrero honored resilience within the LGBTQI+ community highlighting shared commitments towards dismantling barriers ensuring health equity at IEA.
Melanie Egorin reiterated ASL's goal aligned with reducing barriers ensuring equitable access without stigma or discrimination alongside department divisions Congress partners.
Cheryl Campbell emphasized DEIA as mission cornerstones celebrating vibrant resilient LGTBQI +community advocating justice equality acceptance honoring Bayard Rustin’s legacy fostering inclusive environments strengthening societal fabric.
Rebecca Haffajee highlighted ASPE's priority on inclusion equity improving national well-being through research evaluations reflecting rich diversity celebrated during Pride Month.
The SOGI Data Action Plan launched by Secretary Xavier Becerra aims at incorporating SOGII populations into surveys promoting data-based policymaking addressing broad health equity reviewed across divisions initiating incorporations where possible.
A new CDC factsheet outlines adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) among LGTBQI +young people defining ACEs burden types experienced science behind interpersonal discrimination due identities preventing ACEs promoting positive experiences linking evidence-based resources aiding prevention promotion positively outlined detailedly viewable via provided link.
