To the Editor: COVID-19 is disproportionately affecting the LGBTQ+ community. LGBTQ+ Americans report higher rates of underlying conditions than heterosexual people, according to a new CDC report. This makes us more vulnerable to severe illness from
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To the Editor:
COVID-19 is disproportionately affecting the LGBTQ community. LGBTQ Americans report higher rates of underlying conditions than heterosexual people, according to a new CDC report. This makes us more vulnerable to severe illness from COVID-19. But, with no direct data being collected about sexuality and COVID-19, we might never know the full story.
Many LGBTQ+identifying people are treated for their medical concerns at community health centers. Stigma and discrimination in our lives have made us more vulnerable to illnesses and less likely to receive treatment, instead relying on local health centers that can be more welcoming. Now, we all need the help of the medical community to protect ourselves from this pandemic.
It is most important that we make sure COVID-19 vaccines are getting to where they would be most impactful – especially with limited supplies. Health care distributors are helping to make this happen. They are responsible for bringing medications and other supplies to pharmacies, hospitals, and all other points of care, and they are coordinating the delivery of our nation’s vaccines.
Right now, Rhode Island is getting shipments of vaccine doses from health care distributors, so we can bring those doses to vulnerable communities and ensure equity in who is becoming vaccinated.
With health care distributors on our side, we can be sure that the LGBTQ community and other vulnerable communities will be vaccinated as soon as possible. We can overcome this pandemic with their help.
Frank Cerilli and Dennis Byrnes
Cranston
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