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Lawmakers Urge HHS to Collect Data on LGBTQ Populations During COVID-19 Pandemic

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Over 100 lawmakers from both houses of Congress have written to U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar to urge the collection of data on sexual orientation and gender identity during the COVID-19 pandemic. The lawmakers argue that the lack of demographic data on LGBTQ populations will make it difficult for health care providers and policymakers to identify and address the prevention and treatment needs of these communities.

Key Takeaways:

  • The lawmakers, led by Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ), are concerned that the lack of data on LGBTQ populations will exacerbate the challenges they are already experiencing during the pandemic.
  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) COVID-19 Case Report Form does not include questions about whether a patient identifies as LGBTQ, contradicting the HHS Healthy People 2020 objectives to improve health data collection on LGBTQ populations.
  • The lawmakers are urging HHS to include information on sexual orientation and gender identity as part of any COVID-19 data collection efforts to ensure culturally competent care and address health inequities.
  • The LGBTQ community is more likely to lack access to adequate medical care, paid medical leave, and basic necessities during the pandemic, increasing their risk of developing severe cases of COVID-19.
  • The lawmakers are requesting that HHS create a plan to integrate sexual orientation and gender identity data variables into COVID-19 surveillance systems and provide guidance to health care providers on asking patients to disclose this information voluntarily.
  • The lawmakers are also asking HHS to share guidance with state health departments on how and why to include sexual orientation and gender identity data in their own COVID-19 surveillance efforts.

Statistics:

  • Over 100 lawmakers from both houses of Congress have signed the letter urging HHS to collect data on LGBTQ populations.
  • The LGBTQ community is more likely to lack access to adequate medical care, paid medical leave, and basic necessities during the pandemic (26% vs. 14% of the general population).
  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) COVID-19 Case Report Form does not include questions about whether a patient identifies as LGBTQ.

Sources:

  • Letter to Secretary Alex Azar from over 100 lawmakers
  • HHS Healthy People 2020 objectives
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) COVID-19 Case Report Form
  • Affordable Care Act (Section 4302)
  • Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)
  • Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System
  • Youth Risk Behavior Survey
  • National HIV Surveillance System
  • Lambda Legal
  • Family Equality
  • The National LGBT Cancer Network
  • Center for American Progress
  • Reuters
  • CNN

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