Broadcast date: 10/25/2018
In San Luis Obispo county, nearly 50% of youth who identify as LGBTQ+ report having seriously considered attempting suicide. Given these statistics and others, there are new efforts across San Luis Obispo county aimed at reducing mental health disparities for sexual and gender minorities. The #out4mentalhealth task force and the Queer Community Action, Research, Education, and Support (QCARES) support team have recently developed as two local groups that are working to create change through research, policy, and advocacy. In collaboration with the Gay and Lesbian Alliance, Tranz Central Coast, Transitions Mental Health Association, the Behavioral Health Department, and others their goal is to reduce stigma, train local providers, and increase access to quality affirming mental health services for LGBTQ+ community members.
Join host Kris Kington-Barker as she speaks with guests Michelle Call, Executive Director of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance (GALA), Elissa Feld with Transitions Mental Health Association (TMHA), and Dr. Jay Bettergarcia, Assistant Professor of Psychology at California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo and Director of the QCARES support team as they discuss current efforts to support LGBTQ+ mental health and wellness through research, training, and advocacy on the Central Coast.
Central Coast Voices is sponsored by ACTION for Healthy Communities in collaboration with KCBX and made possible through underwriting by Joan Gellert-Sargen.
