CCI Health Services Staff Members Receive Sexual and Gender Diversity Learning Community Certificate (SGDLC) Program Certification
The program empowers participants to foster an LGBTQ+ supportive clinical and administrative practice.
The program empowers participants to foster an LGBTQ+ supportive clinical and administrative practice.
SILVER SPRING, MARYLAND, SEPTEMBER 27, 2023 – CCI Health Services, one of the largest and leading community health centers in Maryland, announced today that Robin Sparer, Integrative Behavioral Health Director, Brenda Tavara, Behavioral Health Consultant, and Dr. Claribel Vargas, Wheaton Medical Director, have completed the Sexual and Gender Diversity Learning Community (SGDLC) Certificate program from the University of Maryland School of Public Health Prevention Research Center.
Completion of the SGDLC certificate program certifies that participants have accessed the necessary skills to improve on building a competent LGBTQ+ supportive clinical and administrative practice.
The SGDLC is a clinical training program developed by Sean Lare and Michael Vigorito, revised and evaluated in partnership with the University of Maryland School of Public Health Prevention Research Center. Based on a commitment to address gaps in understanding LGBTQ+ mental health care, the SGDLC was developed to introduce health care providers to basic concepts related to LGBTQ+ mental health and wellness, preparing them to serve LGBTQ+ clients competently.
The workshop aims to improve:
- Knowledge about LGBTQ+ health disparities and affirmative mental health services for LGBTQ+ people.
- Comfort and confidence with providing LGBTQ+ affirmative mental health care and facilitating sexual health conversations.
- Skill and ability with delivering LGBTQ+ affirmative mental health care and facilitating sexual health conversations.
The SGDLC certification serves as the most recent of several initiatives by CCI to deliver a specialized care approach for the LGBTQ+ community in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties and demonstrate allyship.
In 2022, CCI was selected for inclusion in the 2022 Healthcare Equality Index, an annual survey conducted by the Human Rights Campaign that recognizes health organizations nationwide committed to promoting inclusive care for LGBTQ+ patients. CCI received recognition in the Foundational Policies for LGBTQ+ Healthcare category, which serves to highlight organizations that demonstrate foundational policies to promote inclusion and training in LGBTQ+ competent care.
CCI offers essential health services tailored to the LGBTQ+ community, including specialized behavioral health counseling, care management, and PrEP access. CCI also coordinates year-round educational campaigns focused on the LGBTQ+ experience and promoting acceptance among the wider community.
About CCI Health Services: Founded in 1972, CCI Health Services is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides quality and affordable health care to patients in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties. In addition, CCI Health Services empowers underserved populations and advocates for a more equitable health care system.
Related Reads
CCI Health Services Selected for Inclusion in the 2022 Healthcare Equality Index
Annual nationwide HRC survey recognizes CCI’s commitment and initiative to promote inclusive care for LGTBQ+ patients.
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