BHIPP Bulletin
Volume 6, Issue 12
June 2021
Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth
In honor of Pride Month, BHIPP has curated a list of resources to support LGBTQ+ Youth, including general information and research, strategies specific to pediatric primary care, and information about resources and organizations that support LGBTQ+ youth and families.

Research has shown that LGBTQ+ youth are at increased risk for discrimination and bullying which leads to an increase in mental health concerns and suicide attempts. However, providing welcoming and supportive environments for these youth is a protective factor against negative health outcomes. Affirming gender identity among transgender and nonbinary youth is associated with lower rates of suicide attempts and is something everyone in your office and clinic can do. Here are a few ideas to create an inclusive space in your practice:

  1. Introduce yourself with name and pronouns and invite youth and families to do the same
  2. Wear badges or pronoun pins to show your support
  3. Include books, games, posters, and/or magazines in the waiting area that are inclusive of the spectrum of families and youth your office is serving in terms of gender identities, race, and abilities


General Information
Center of Excellence on LGBTQ+ Behavioral Health Equity - Learning About Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression


For Primary Care Providers
Adolescent Health Initiative - LGBTQ+ Youth-Friendly Services
Adolescent Health Initiative - Supporting and Affirming LGBTQ+ Youth
National Child Traumatic Stress Network - LGBTQ Pride Month
Contemporary Pediatrics – Supporting the LGBTQ+ Patient


In the News


For Families
Queerspawn Resource Project - Children’s Picture Books
*children with LGBTQ+ parents and caregivers


Organizations
Trevor Lifeline: 1-866-488-7386
Trevor Text - Text START to 678-678


As always, if you have questions about behavioral health needs of your patients, we encourage you to call the BHIPP consultation line at 855-MD-BHIPP (632-4477), open 9am-5pm Monday-Friday, for resource/referral networking or consultation support.

BHIPP Announcements
Looking for COVID-19 resources to support children, families, and providers?

As the pandemic continues children, families, and providers may struggle with mental health concerns. BHIPP has compiled resources to support the needs of patients and providers. These resources are continuously updated.

As always, we welcome you to call the BHIPP line at 855-MD-BHIPP (632-4477), open 9am-5pm Monday-Friday, for consultation support or for information about local mental health resources for your patients.
BHIPP in Your Neighborhood
  • August 27, 2021 12:30-1:30pm
  • BHIPP Resilience Break: Supporting Youth Returning to School: The Role of the Primary Care Provider presented by Sharon Hoover, PhD
  • Register here!
  • Interested in organizing a (virtual) training event? Need more information? Message our team!
BHIPP Holiday Closures Calendar
Please note that the telephone consultation line will be closed on the following upcoming holiday(s):

  • Monday, July 5, 2021
BHIPP is supported by funding from the Maryland Department of Health, Behavioral Health Administration and operates as a collaboration between the University of Maryland School of Medicine, the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Salisbury University and Morgan State University.

BHIPP and this newsletter are also supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $433,296 with approximately 20% financed by non-governmental sources. The contents of this newsletter are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government. For more information, visit www.hrsa.gov.

Copyright © 2021 Maryland Behavioral Health Integration in Pediatric Primary Care (BHIPP), All rights reserved.