Correspondence - #16 - Laserfiche WebLink

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FINDINGS Survey The results from the survey highlighted several key findings related to the demographics and HIV/STD health care needs and barriers ofthe TGNC community of Orange County. At least 280/0 of respondents were uncomfortable disclosing their citizenship status, zi% reported having multiple sex partners, 7 % had not tested for HIV due to feeling healthy, and so% did not know their HIV status. Several survey respondents (10.3%) reported a need to seek care and treatment in neighboring counties, such as Los Angeles. Based on responses about overall satisfaction with services in the county, the following were top reasons noted for why services in Orange County may not meet participant's needs: inconvenient hours of operation, staff not being welcoming or helpful, communication/language barriers, and lack of sensitivity in using appropriate pronouns. More than half of respondents would like to have behavioral health services offered and would like to learn more about gender affirmation surgery. Limitations of the survey include a small sample, as only zg individuals completed the survey during the HIV prevention education event. Recruitment for attendance was in collaboration with the Alianza Translatinx community based organization. Furthermore, participants were predominately monolingual Spanish speaking (go%) and reported being transgender females (76%). Thus, findings from the survey may not be applicable to other TGNC populations in Orange County. Focus Groups Focus groups provided further insight into the HIV/STD service needs and barriers to care identified through the survey, as well as input from the community about different ways to increase access to care and improve delivery of services in Orange County. Many participants reported feeling they were treated well, with respect, and were given adequate care and attention. Participants reported satisfaction with services being provided utilizing a sliding fee scale, improved wait times (compared to wait times when accessing services in years past), and appreciation when test results were provided by a doctor (as opposed to other healthcare provider staff who participants did not esteem as highly). Some participants reported receiving bus passes and assistance with transportation. There was also an overwhelming amount of feedback regarding the support and trust for Alianza Translatinx and the need to access healthcare services in Los Angeles. e zz Vlr �l