In my last advocacy update, I mentioned that questions on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) have been eliminated from two national surveys (the National Survey of Older Americans Act Participants and the Annual Program Performance Report for Centers for Independent Living) that provide HHS with data regarding the effectiveness and equity of critical safety net programs. Following this announcement, we heard the administration will not include questions on sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) in the 2020 Census and the American Community Survey.
This full post is available for AcademyHealth members here. The remainder of the post includes a request for the evidence surrounding including SOGI questions in surveys; an update on the potential for a government shutdown; a federal comment opportunity related to dental and oral health; the proposed executive branch reorganization; and final details on the March for Science.