Hugh Lane Wellness Foundation

Hugh Lane Wellness is a team of people with lived experience raising health with Western Pennsylvania's LGBTQ+ communities, families, and youth by addressing conditions that determine health. Local LGBTQ+ community members' health is more likely than others to be affected by economic and housing instability, unsafe and unwelcoming homes, social settings, workplaces and schools, and healthcare discrimination and access difficulties. Hugh Lane's Youth & Family Services give LGBTQ+ youth leadership opportunities and increase adult and caregiver LGBTQ+-affirming beliefs and behaviors. Youth Services piloted a first-ever caregiver intervention now being implemented nationwide. Youth Services provides evidence-based behavioral health interventions, social connections, mentorship, school policy and practice consultation, caregiver education and interventions. Hugh Lane advises county, state, and nationwide Departments of Children, Youth and Family Services and nonprofits providing affirming care and services for LGBTQ+ Youth and Families. Hugh Lane's services also eliminate barriers to care and increase economic stability. Hugh Lane provides legal aid, community health workers, health care and public benefits advocacy, employment support, and amplifies LGBTQ+ voices. Youth, families, and community members who use Hugh Lane's have decreased suicidality and depression, increased access to affirming educational and social environments, and increased access to affirming adults and caregivers. In addition to youth and family service providers, Hugh Lane trains nonprofits, businesses, medical and mental health providers, and schools. Departments of Human Services, families, educators, schools, workplaces and providers educated by Hugh Lane can competently meet the needs of LGBTQ+ youth, families, and community members in workplaces, schools, and service settings.