LGBTQ+ Health Disparities with Michael Garrett

Dr. Cara English, DBH speaks with Michael Garrett, Principal at Mercer, on the progress and ongoing challenges in pursuing health equity for the LGBTQ+ population in 2021. Topics featured in this episode include health challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ population, how to provide culturally and clinically competent care for LGBTQ+ individuals, addressing environmental and social factors that can affect their mental and physical well-being, and evidence-based solutions and innovations to work towards equity.

Michael Garrett is a Principal at Mercer, where he leads consulting engagements with large plan sponsors regarding their health benefit plans and works with clients in developing and implementing new care delivery models such as accountable care organizations. His education includes a Masters degree from the University of Idaho in clinical psychology and a Bachelors degree in psychology from Gonzaga University. He is a Certified Case Manager, Certified Vocational Evaluator, Board Certified Patient Advocate, and a Nationally Certified Psychologist. Michael has served in operational management, business development, product development, consulting, and strategic planning roles. His work experience includes leading successful pursuits of long-term, multimillion dollar contracts as well as leading more than 100 professionals delivering a wide range of care management services from multiple locations, and he has worked with Medicare, Medicaid, long-term disability, state employee benefit plans, self-funded health plans, workers’ compensation, and other programs.

Resources referenced in this episode:

IOM Crossing the Quality Chasm Report: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25057539/

Working with Transgender Individuals in Case Management Practice: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29176340/

Identifying Health Disparities, Striving for Health Equity: https://cmsa.org/identifying-health-disparities-striving-for-health-equity/

Genderbread person: https://www.genderbread.org/resource/genderbread-person-v4-0

Mercer’s Broad DEI Point of View (POV) - The Time is Now: Addressing Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion in the Workplace: https://www.mercer.us/our-thinking/career/addressing-diversity-equity-and-inclusion-in-the-workplace.html

Mercer’s Inclusive Benefits Point of View (POV)-  Are your Health and Well-Being Approaches Inclusive? https://www.mercer.com/our-thinking/health/mmb-turning-health-risk-into-value-inclusive-benefits.html? 

Mercer’s DEI and Benefits Blog - On the DEI Journey, Health Equity Must be a Goal: https://www.mercer.us/our-thinking/healthcare/on-the-dei-journey-health-equity-must-be-a-goal.html? 

Mercer Blog on Creating a Culture of Equality - The Future of Work Requires a Culture of Equality: https://www.mercer.com/our-thinking/career/mercerchats-rewind-the-future-of-work-requires-a-culture-of-equality.html? 

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