Rainbow Health Initiative (RHI) is dedicated to advancing the health and wellness of LGBTQ communities through research, education, and advocacy. Currently, RHI is conducting exploratory research on LGBTQ youth pregnancy experiences and existing (or non-existing) social support needed for these young parenting LGBTQ people. We are also conducting community based research looking at tobacco users living with HIV and their communications with their HIV care providers regarding tobacco use. RHI conducts large-scale LGBTQ health data collection to disseminate to other public health and health organizations.
RHI also develops and implements LGBTQ cultural competency training for health care providers and clinics, medical students, and community organizations; presents at local and national conferences to raise awareness and share data; hosts several LGBTQ social events throughout the year to engage LGBTQ people in substance free social activities; conducts health areas at MN Pride events; and funds several LGBTQ organizations and programs throughout MN to build capacity of these organizations to address health and wellness in LGBTQ communities.
