NAPNAP Revises Position Statement on Health Risks and Needs of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Adolescents

Aug 24, 2011

For Immediate Release 

Contact:  Felicia K. Taylor, Director of Membership, Chapters & Communication
Phone:     856/857-9700                                                
Fax:         856/857-1600                                                
Email:      ftaylor@napnap.org

CHERRY HILL, NJ (August 24, 2011) The National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners’ (NAPNAP) Executive Board  approved a revised NAPNAP Position Statement on Health Risks and Needs of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Adolescents (LGBTQ).

Research shows that LGBTQ adolescents experience higher incidences of social desolation compared to heterosexual and gender conforming youth. Some LGBTQ adolescents experience depression, isolation, violence, anxiety and substance abuse. These unfortunate experiences could be improved with support from family, friends, school personnel and other caring adults.

NAPNAP opposes all public and private discrimination against individuals based on sexual orientation, gender conformity, and gender identity, while encouraging members to speak out against discrimination or victimization of LGBTQ youth.

NAPNAP supports nurse practitioner participation in community/school education efforts to promote tolerance and understanding of LGBTQ issues and to support changing environments to decrease health risks faced by youth.

"As a full time pediatric primary care provider I find it is important to implement this position statement in my day to day care of my patients" said Cheri Barber, DNP, RN, CRNP, NAPNAP President. To view the statement online click here.

The National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners would like to acknowledge the contribution of the following individuals: Michele Acker, MN, APRN-BC, Dian Baker, PhD, APRN-BC, PNP, Alison Moriarty Daley, MSN, APRN-BC, PNP, Marion Donohoe, DNP, APN, CPNP, Dawn Lee Garzon, PhD, PNP-BC, CPNP-PC, FAANP, Katie Magoon, MSN, C-PNP, Renee McLeod, PhD, APRN, CPNP (Clinical Practice Chair) , Carol Roye, EdD, CPNP, Naomi A. Schapiro, MSN, RN, CPNP

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NAPNAP is committed to improving the health care of infants, children, adolescents and young adults. An association of nearly 7,500 health care providers throughout the United States, NAPNAP has 48 Chapters nationwide. For more information, call 856/857-9700 or visit NAPNAP's Website at www.napnap.org

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