The HEART Program
HEART
Health Equity & Access
for Rural TLGBQ+
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ABOUT THE HEART PROGRAM
The HEART (Health Equity and Access for Rural TLGBQ+) Program aims to address common healthcare barriers faced by TLGBQ+ (Transgender, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Queer) people in Vermont.
A team of OITO-trained volunteers work alongside TLGBQ+ community members to ensure access to safe and supportive healthcare. The program will be accepting new 2023 volunteer applications later this year. If you’re interested in receiving support, read on!
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REQUEST WINDHAM COUNTY SUPPORT
The HEART Program is currently providing support to Windham County TLGBQ+ community members and the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont.
If you need support during medical appointments (transportation also available if needed), appointment planning and/or debriefing, TeleHealth support, next step planning, check-in calls during hospital stays, or referrals to TLGBQ+ friendly care providers, please request support and we will be in contact.
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REQUEST NEK SUPPORT
Description gThe HEART Program is currently providing support to Windham County TLGBQ+ community members and the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont.
If you need support during medical appointments (transportation also available if needed), appointment planning and/or debriefing, TeleHealth support, next step planning, check-in calls during hospital stays, or referrals to TLGBQ+ friendly care providers, please request support and we will be in contact.oes here
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APPLY TO VOLUNTEER
The HEART Program is looking for volunteers to support and advocate for community members when they request assistance. Volunteers will be trained by HEART Program staff and community partners to ensure that they can provide the needed support.
The training includes harm reduction principles and strategies, proper use of Narcan, and Intentional Peer Support Training. We are actively looking for volunteers. Click the button below to offer your support!
“Our goal is for participants to feel supported while remaining in control of their own health decisions.”
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Community members can request support for a variety of services including but not limited to:
Appointment Planning
Appointment Debriefing
Support during appointments (transportation is also available if needed)
TeleHealth support
Follow up/next step planning
Check-in calls during hospital stays
Referrals to TLGBQ+ friendly providers
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Many TLGBQ+ people delay or skip care due to a variety of negative experiences within the healthcare system including medical trauma, racism, sexism, ableism, fatphobia, transphobia, homophobia, transportation difficulties, and a multitude of other intersecting challenges. These experiences can be compounded by our rural location, as TLGBQ-specific care can often be miles away.
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All community members are welcome to volunteer and/or request support. The two options are not mutually exclusive and we encourage folks to use their lived experience, knowledge, profession, and education to help peers navigate systems they may know well. There may be situations in which you need support, and there may be others in which your expertise may come in handy for someone else! This program is intentionally flexible in its design - the roles are not set in stone.
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