Engaging LGBT Elders in Prevention Programs
Kate Bishop, MSSA

October 28, 2020, 1-2 PM EST

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The novel coronavirus pandemic has brought increased challenges to older adult populations in several directions. Elders are known to be at higher risk for contracting COVID-19, and are far more likely to face a serious course of the illness if infected. At the same time, isolation itself is a risk factor for physical and mental illness, cognitive deterioration, substance misuse, suicidal impulses, and creates barriers to accessing resources. LGBT Elders are less likely to be partnered or have children than other older adults, and are often estranged from their families of origin. Isolation, already a life-threatening condition, has reached extreme levels in LGBT Elder populations during the pandemic. This webinar will frame the unique challenges of reaching vulnerable LGBT Elders and offer practical strategies for engaging them in needed services, social opportunities, and essential support networks.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Examine the health risks of isolation and the impact of COVID-related barriers on older adults
• Identify unique challenges often faced by LGBT Elders, as well as unique sources of resilience
• Explore effective tools to engage older LGBT adults in prevention services and support networks

PRESENTER

Kate Bishop, MSSA, the Education Coordinator at the LGBT Health Resource Center of Chase Brexton, is a seasoned professional development trainer with expertise in working with LGBTQ populations, sexual and reproductive health care, adolescent development, intimate partner violence, and sexual trauma. She is certified as a trainer through GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network) as well as SAGE (Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders). Before joining the Chase Brexton team, she developed the capacity building program at the University of Maryland School of Medicine’s STAR TRACK Adolescent HIV program, providing cultural responsiveness trainings for agencies that serve sexual minority youth of color. Ms. Bishop holds a Bachelor of Arts in Gender Studies from Hiram College and a Masters in Social Work from Case Western Reserve University.

HOSTS

This training was developed under the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's Addiction Technology Transfer Center (ATTC), Mental Health Technology Transfer Center (MHTTC), Prevention Technology Transfer Center (PTTC) task orders (Reference #s 1H79TI080210, 3H79SM081785, and 1H79SP081018) and is for training use only. Learn more about the Central East ATTC, Central East MHTTC, and Central East PTTC. The Central East ATTC, MHTTC, and PTTC are managed by The Danya Institute.