LGBTQ+ Community Needs Assessment Launched in Greater Cleveland Area: Share Your Experiences Now!
Kent State University’s College of Public Health, in collaboration with over 120 local organizations, has initiated a comprehensive needs assessment for the LGBTQ+ community in the greater Cleveland area. If you are 12 years or older and identify with marginalized sexual orientations or gender identities such as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning, or if you consider yourself an ally to the LGBTQ+ community, we invite you to participate by completing a confidential survey on the assessment’s website.
The survey, which takes approximately 30 minutes to complete, aims to understand the lived experiences of the LGBTQ+ community in greater Cleveland. While the assessment focuses on Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, and Lorain counties, individuals residing outside these designated areas but who rely on the greater Cleveland region for healthcare, social services, employment, education, religion or spirituality, recreation, or other community resources are also encouraged to participate.
Last year, the College of Public Health released a community report and recommendations based on responses from a similar LGBTQ+ community needs assessment conducted in the Akron area, encompassing Summit, Stark, Portage, and Medina counties. Moving forward, the college plans to develop an assessment for the Youngstown area as part of its long-term goal to establish a comprehensive 12-county representation of the LGBTQ+ community across Akron, Cleveland, and Youngstown.
The Cleveland assessment encompasses a wide range of topics including health, safety, housing, nutrition, religion, employment, and more. Launched on June 3, coinciding with Pride in the CLE, the survey will remain open until February 2024. Once the assessment period concludes, the findings will be compiled into a report and shared with community partners such as the Cleveland Foundation and the LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland.
The information gathered from this needs assessment will play a critical role in driving targeted interventions and programs for the LGBTQ+ community, thereby addressing their unique needs and challenges. By analyzing the data and identifying key areas requiring attention, organizations and stakeholders can leverage these insights to secure grants and funding necessary to develop resources and initiatives that resonate with the community.
The ultimate aim is to foster conversations, decision-making, and actions that are rooted in evidence-based research. This comprehensive assessment will be pivotal in supporting the LGBTQ+ community and ensuring their access to appropriate resources and support systems. By participating in this survey, you can contribute to the enrichment and well-being of the LGBTQ+ community in the greater Cleveland area.
Help shape the future of the LGBTQ+ community in Cleveland by sharing your experiences and insights through the confidential survey. Join hands with Kent State University’s College of Public Health and local organizations to create a more inclusive, equitable, and supportive environment for all. Together, we can make a difference.
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