I got involved with research because I wanted to gain new skills that I could use in my future career as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. I’ve always wanted to get my doctorate degree and being involved in research would help me develop the critical thinking skills needed to handle the rigors of a graduate study.

Best Practices for Mental Wellbeing among rural Adolescents LGBT

In a recent study performed by the LGBTQ+ Think Tank Group – Movement Advancement Project-, there are between 2.9 million and 3.8 million Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT+) people who live in rural America1. The report also found that those in rural areas have less access to LGBT–specific resources. For example, LGBT+ youths encounter multiple barriers to accessing substance abuse and mental health services 2. According to the study, Fifty-seven percent of LGBTQ adults in urban areas have access to an LGBTQ health center, while only 11 percent of those in rural areas1. As LGBQ youth continue to be at risk for mental health issues, the lack of access to LGBT+ resources in rural areas puts self-identified rural youths at multiplied risk.

This study will be a part of a larger community based participatory research (CBPR) study “Familial, geographic, and social determinants of mental wellbeing in rural LGBT+ adolescents”. This first step will be integral in achieving the first aim of the study to “Develop collaborative partnerships with rural community key stakeholders by convening a Community Advisory Board to participate in all aspects of the study”. The goal of this Undergraduate research is to work under the guidance, direction and supervision of Dr. Jeanne Marie Stacciarini to understand the community resources for LGBT+ adolescents and best practices in promoting mental wellbeing with rural LGBT+ adolescents.

Specific Aims:

1- Identify community resources related to LGBT+ adolescents in Gainesville, Columbia and Hamilton Counties.

2- Identify the evidence about best approaches community places have been using to promote mental wellbeing with rural LGBT+ adolescents.