Selecting an assisted-living community, personal-care home, or nursing home can be difficult for senior citizens who face health care issues, it can even be more difficult for LGBTQ+ elders. Penn State York is offering a one-day workshop, LGBTQ+ Topics for Health Care Professionals, set for 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sept. 27, in the Precision Custom Components (PCC) Community Room on campus.

According to the American Psychological Association, more than 39 million people in the U.S. are age 65 years or older and this includes 2.4 million who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. To many who have lived their lives freely, although under unique stressors when “coming out,” may now find themselves facing discriminatory policies and can be more vulnerable to neglect and mistreatment in aging-care facilities.

“This one-day workshop will lead participants to a thorough understanding of sexual orientation,” said Patty Bowen, director of continuing education at Penn State York. “Participants will learn to define and differentiate between sexual orientation and gender identity, describe risk and protective factors, recognize heterosexism, and identify steps to make your organization a more welcoming environment for both employees and those you serve,” she said.

The program is designed for human resource professionals, anyone in the health care industry, (including those in personal care, assisted living, nursing homes, doctors’ offices, hospital and home health care), and any organization seeking to gain a better understanding of these diverse communities. The program has been expanded to include others outside the health care field.

This training has been approved for 7.5 training hours for the following:
  •    Personal care home and assisted living administrators (approved by Department of Health and Human Services).
  •    Act 48 requirements (Penn State (AUN 310140014) is a Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) Act 48 approved provider).
  •    Social workers (Approved by Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors)
  •    Human resource professionals (Approved by HR Certification institute (HRCI) for recertification hours)

Rosemary Browne, president and CEO of Alder Health Services, is the keynote speaker, and will cover topics including an identities overview and defining the letters LGBTQ+, understanding and building awareness, accessing medical care from a transgender perspective, solving clinical pre-existing strengths to working with transgender clients, and navigating next steps and reflections.

Browne has more than 35 years of experience in the nonprofit and government sectors working to improve the quality of life of residents of South-central Pennsylvania.  Since 2014, she has served as president and chief executive officer of Alder Health Services, whose mission is to improve the health and well-being of persons living with HIV/AIDS and members of the LGBTQ+ community in a culturally competent, affirming and empowering environment. The agency provides behavioral health, primary care, case management and support services, education, prevention and wellness services, HIV/STD testing and treatment, family planning and a host of other programs.

Prior to joining Alder Health, Browne was program officer for Highmark Foundation where she managed grants and population-based health initiatives addressing emerging community health needs targeting uninsured and underserved populations in 21 South-central Pennsylvania counties. These initiatives included the foundation’s investment of more than $2 million in grant funding for a statewide coalition that used a public health approach to reduce bullying in Pennsylvania schools and communities, and the implementation of a of  $1.5 million strategy for school-community partnerships throughout a 49 county service area to reduce childhood obesity.

The breadth of Browne’s experience in the nonprofit sector crosses several disciplines and affinity groups. She has a deep commitment to making connections in the community to address challenges related to reducing health disparities among underserved populations, particularly persons living with HIV, the LGBTQ community, women and girls, and communities of color.  

She holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology and urban planning from St. Francis University, Loretto, Pennsylvania, and has achieved advanced training in diversity and inclusion, community-based participatory research, and leadership development. She serves on a number of nonprofit boards, advisory committees, regional and state collaborative boards and community partnerships that work to reduce health disparities and advance social justice issues.

Cost for the workshop $150 per person, or $120 for groups of six or more. The fee includes continental breakfast and lunch.

For more information, visit the website or call 717-771-4032.