LGBT Wellness Roundup: Nov. 21

Will The Gay Blood Ban Be Lifted?

Each week HuffPost Gay Voices, in a partnership with blogger Scout, LGBT HealthLink and researcher Michael G. Bare, brings you a round up of some of the biggest LGBT wellness stories from the past seven days. For more LGBT Wellness visit our page dedicated to the topic here.

1
Gay Blood Ban: From Forever To Last Year
Keith Brofsky via Getty Images
The 31-year old ban on gay and bisexual men donating blood was reviewed by a federal panel who suggested partially lifting the ban; potential donors must not have had sex with a man for a year prior to be able to donate blood. A Huffington Post blogger still objects, asking for the FDA to stop discrimination against gay men.
2
New LGBT Healthcare Bill Of Rights
LGBT HealthLink, Promo Missouri and lawyer Corey Prachniak partnered with over 70 LGBT and allied organizations this week to release the first ever LGBT Healthcare Bill of Rights. Read Mr. Prachiak's great blog about it here, download your copy from the website now and be ready to stand up against discrimination in healthcare.
3
Holding Providers To A Higher Standard
Blend Images - JGI/Jamie Grill via Getty Images
The Association of American Medical Colleges has released a report on educational standards for medical schools on LGBTI health issues. Additionally, the University of Louisville School of Medicine is testing a national program training physicians on LGBT health. The importance of these new developments is only highlighted by new research outlining specific health disparities among all bisexuals, bisexual men and transgender people.
4
Kicking Butts
Steven Puetzer via Getty Images
Right as we celebrate this week’s Great American Smokeout, University of North Carolina researchers published a review of LGBT smoking cessation programs; the researchers recommended more community organizations adopt and promote smoke-free policies and provide linkages with cessation services. Also, a New Jersey health plan begins a new tobacco harm reduction program, citing LGBT tobacco disparities as one reason for the project.
5
Only 13% Of Young Gay Men Getting HPV Vaccine
John Churchman via Getty Images
This week President Obama presented scientific awards to two scientists for their work on developing HPV vaccines; at the same time new studies report that HPV vaccine rates are low among gay men and suggest more providers recommend vaccination for their gay male patients.
6
Bullying And LGBT Youth Health
Henry King via Getty Images
The American Public Health Association just made an official statement about the negative mental health effects and other results of anti-LGBT bullying, suggesting more research and programs that promote LGBT youth safety.

Correction: An earlier version of this story misidentified the name of the Association of American Medical Colleges. This has been corrected.

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