Pride Month is a Call to Action

Pride Month is a time of celebration for the LGBTQ+ community and its allies, and also a moment to inspire continued progress and change across the communities where we live, work and serve. Within the health care industry, we have long known that the social determinants of health, including the individual, economic and environmental conditions that we each face, have profound impacts on our health outcomes. And, as President of Aetna, a CVS Health company, one of my top priorities is to continue raising awareness and promoting equality for members, no matter their race, background, gender identity or sexual orientation.

Aetna and CVS Health have a strong history of supporting the LGBTQ+ community, and I was particularly proud when our company signed the Human Rights Council’s Business Statement Opposing Anti-LGBTQ State Legislation. While this declaration is an important step toward advancing equality, there is more work to be done – particularly around shedding light on the unique health care inequities that LGBTQ+ individuals face and striving for an inclusive definition of health equity in order to truly achieve it.

As a business leader and the co-executive sponsor of CVS Health’s PRIDE+ colleague resource group, which is dedicated to promoting allyship and awareness of issues faced by the LGBTQ+ community, I am privileged to partner with our LGBTQ+ colleagues and allies as we collaborate to raise awareness of important health and social issues affecting this community.

Health Disparities in the LGBTQ+ Community

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, the LGBTQ+ community faced higher rates of unemployment, housing instability and serious mental health challenges. These risk factors were further exasperated by the systematic harassment, discrimination and cultural misconceptions that members of the LGBTQ+ community face throughout their lives. I have personally heard the stories of friends and colleagues who have been discriminated against, or felt worried that they would be denied access to care just for being who they are – stories that are demonstrated in research from Equitas Health.

The LGBTQ+ population is also disproportionately impacted by mental illness. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), before 2020, LGBTQ+ communities already carried a heavier burden of mental health challenges, especially depression, anxiety, PTSD, eating disorders, substance misuse, and suicidal thoughts and actions.

We also know the LGBTQ+ community is less likely to fill?prescriptions and more likely to use the emergency room or delay getting?care. And, tragically, LGBTQ+ youth are two to three times more likely to attempt suicide – a reality that is heartbreaking and unacceptable.

We Must Commit to Allyship & Action

These statistics highlight the significant gaps in health equity faced by the LGTBQ+ community and demonstrate the need for significant action. I stand with the LGBTQ+ community and encourage all allies to consider how, together, we can strengthen our activism and support. For example, as an executive sponsor of CVS Health’s PRIDE+ colleague resource group, I have the privilege of listening, learning and supporting a group of exceptionally talented colleagues who are dedicated to promoting awareness and finding solutions to issues faced by the LGBTQ+ community. Hearing the stories, struggles, and triumphs of this tremendous group of colleagues inspires me to do more to make the world a more inclusive place for everyone.

As a company, Aetna and CVS Health will continue acting on our mission of inclusivity by working to provide LGBTQ+ populations with resources specifically designed to address their unique health needs. For example, in partnership with The Trevor Project, a leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ+ youth, we are creating opportunities for dialogue and community so that young people feel less alone. We’ve also taken steps to remove barriers to LGBTQ+ affirming care, including enhancements to our DocFind provider search tool to help Aetna members find mental health providers who self-designate as gender identity specialists.

Our Commitment

During Pride Month, we celebrate the progress achieved by the LGBTQ+ community and recommit to furthering equal opportunity and justice. Reaching health equity is an important part of this journey, and we all have an important role to play in addressing the barriers that, for too long, have prevented LGBTQ+ people from living their healthiest, happiest and safest lives.

I’m proud to support the LGBTQ+ community and commit to continuing to use my voice to promote inclusiveness and equal treatment for all.?