CCCS was delighted to actively participate in the expanded LGBTQ+ Pride events across Maine in June. As steadfast allies of the LGBTQ+ community, we are deeply invested in addressing the systemic inequities faced by all marginalized individuals, including LGBTQ+ people, in their access to quality healthcare across Maine. Over the past year, through our Achieving Health Equity with Older Persons project, we conducted extensive focus groups to gain insights into the specific barriers older Mainers encounter when accessing healthcare services. Our commitment to inclusivity led us to include diverse LGBTQ+ groups in these discussions, ensuring their unique perspectives inform our recommendations to improve healthcare services for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ older adults statewide.
At CCCS, our commitment to fostering inclusive environments and advocating equitable healthcare access remains unwavering. We stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community and are dedicated to continuing our collaborative efforts toward achieving comprehensive health equity for all individuals in Maine and beyond.
In addition to our work with older Mainers, CCCS has actively pursued initiatives to enhance access to and quality oral healthcare services throughout Maine. By engaging LGBTQ+ individuals in our research efforts through focus groups and surveys, we have gathered invaluable insights that will guide us in developing comprehensive recommendations for enhancing oral healthcare systems across the state. Located at the Equality Community Center, we are privileged to collaborate closely with a network of dedicated LGBTQ+ serving nonprofit organizations. These partnerships reinforce our understanding that collective progress toward health equity involves championing the rights and well-being of all marginalized communities.