Improving Sexual and Reproductive Health Services and Resources for LGBTQ2 Communities
Backgrounder
June 28, 2022
Budget 2021 committed $45 million over three years, starting in 2021-22, to improve access to a full range of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) care support, information and services for people in Canada who face the greatest barriers to access. Health Canada’s Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) Fund was created to support a wide range of evidence-informed and innovative projects for people in Canada who are at increased risk for poorer SRH outcomes, such as LGBTQ2 individuals, Indigenous and racialized people, women and youth.
From this Fund, Health Canada is investing more than $5.1 million for four national projects, led by the Community-Based Research Centre (CBRC), the Canadian Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity (CCGSD), Egale Canada and Sherbourne Health.
Community Health Leadership for 2SLGBTQ+ Sexual and Reproductive Health
CBRC
Funding: $2,856,327 until March 2024
CBRC’s project will involve three core activities: capacity building for service providers; the development of sexual and reproductive health community leadership programs; and the development of health promotion resources for 2SLGBTQ+ communities. Working in partnership with six regional partner organizations in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador, this project will develop a variety of community-led training resources and tools for health care providers to improve sexual and reproductive health services for 2SLGBTQ+ individuals across Canada.
Not Just the Tip
CCGSD
Funding: $1,090,624 until March 2024
With the support of expert advisory councils, this project will develop and deliver educational resources and tools related to 2SLGBTQ+ inclusive sexual health education in five Canadian cities, including Regina, Toronto, Ottawa, Halifax and St. Johns. This project will develop a curriculum based on existing best practices, guidelines, and studies to educate teachers as well as health and social service providers who interact with 2SLGBTQ+ youth. The project will increase educator and service provider capacity to support 2SLGBTQ+ and other marginalized individuals, improving overall access and promoting greater equity of sexual and reproductive health care.
Online Intersex Community Hub: Medical Practitioner Education and Intersex Peer Support Network
Egale Canada
Funding: $584,941 until March 2024
Egale Canada’s project has two components. The first is to develop training for health care providers. This training will help providers work towards patient-oriented care for intersex infants, children and their parents and guardians. The second component consists of peer support and resources for intersex individuals, and for parents as well as guardians of intersex infants and children.
Improving the Quality and Access of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare for 2SLGBTQ People Living in Canada
Sherbourne Health
Funding: $569,443 until March 2024
Sherbourne Health’s project will develop, pilot, and promote peer-reviewed and evidence-based education, training, and resources for health care providers about sexual and reproductive health considerations for 2SLGBTQ people. The project will focus in areas such as family planning, pregnancy considerations, parenthood, postpartum and newborn care, as well as general sexual health and wellness for 2SLGBTQ people. With these resources, health care providers will be able to provide safe and accurate information to their 2SLGBTQ clients to create sustainable and systemic change in Canada.