The California LGBTQ Health & Human Services Network is an LGBTQ-specific program of Health Access, bringing together more than 60 non-profit providers, community centers, and researchers to advocate collectively for state level policies and resources that will advance LGBTQ health. Founded in 2007, the Network provides coordinated leadership about LGBTQ health policy in a proactive, responsive manner that promotes health and well-being as part of the movement for LGBTQ equality, and ensures that there is a distinct LGBTQ voice in health policy decision-making venues.
The Network works with LGBTQ groups throughout the state to help meet the needs of LGBTQ people, provide training and information to its members, and engage diverse LGBTQ organizations in state-level policy discussions. The Network represents LGBTQ communities at administrative agencies to ensure that as decisions are made, LGBTQ people are fully included. By providing a permanent presence in Sacramento, the Network is able to support the legislative, budget, and administrative advocacy priorities of its members. Important to this work is to facilitate the participation of LGBTQ stakeholders in advocating for policy changes that benefit LGBTQ communities. The Network also works in coalition with immigrant rights organizations, organizations representing communities of color, and other identity-based organizations to ensure populations experiencing health disparities are working together to improve physical and mental health for everyone in California.
The Network seeks to:
- Advocate for policies advancing the health of LGBTQ communities
- Expand coverage and improve access to quality health care
- Strengthen programs and build capacity for member organizations
- Increase funding to LGBTQ health and human services organizations