HRC Statement on Health and Human Services Secretary’s Commitment to Collection of LGBT Health Data

Washington– According to press reports, today at a White House press conference, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius told reporters that her department “fully intend[s] to collect LGBT data,” including on national health surveys.  Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese issued the following statement:

“We applaud Secretary Sebelius for her commitment to collecting critical data on the health of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.  It has been repeatedly demonstrated – including in a major LGBT health report issued just months ago by the Institute of Medicine – that LGBT people experience significant health disparities and that we cannot fully understand those disparities and how to address them until major health studies ask about our community.  Since this administration took office, HRC has urged HHS to take steps to collect data and address LGBT health disparities and has also lobbied Congress to call for and fully fund the inclusion of LGBT questions in federal health surveys and programs.  We thank Secretary Sebelius for her leadership in addressing the health needs of all Americans and look forward to continuing our work with HHS to ensure that LGBT people are fully a part of the department’s commitment to health.”

The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.

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