The two will work together on a project to improve mental health access for LGBTQ+ youth. 

ALLENTOWN, PA – Adrian Shanker, executive director of Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center, and Geoff Brace, chair of the Lehigh County Board of Commissioners, have been named to the 2021 Political Determinants of Health (PDOH) Learning Laboratory Cohort at the Satcher Health Leadership Institute at Morehouse School of Medicine.

The inaugural cohort pairs community leaders who serve vulnerable populations with elected or appointed officials in their respective jurisdictions. Over the next two years, the pairs will develop actionable steps to address and alleviate disproportionate health outcomes in their communities, with financial support from the Satcher Health Leadership Institute.

The Satcher Health Leadership Institute was founded by former U.S. Surgeon General David Satcher to create systemic change at the intersection of policy and equity by focusing on three priority areas: the political determinants of health, health system transformation, and mental and behavioral health.

Shanker and Brace will collaborate on a project to improve and expand mental health access and resources for local LGBTQ+ youth. The pair will receive a $20,000 grant after the two-year cohort to implement their plan.

“Oftentimes, the health challenges in our society are fixable, if only political will could make it possible. Through this program and the Political Determinants of Health model, we hope to learn strategies to improve mental health care for LGBTQ+ youth in Lehigh County,” Shanker said.

“Over the past year, the global pandemic has created a heightened awareness of mental health challenges in our communities. We need to seize on the opportunities we have now to offer real solutions to improve care for individuals through creative partnerships and strategies. I am excited for how fellowship will help us do that for LGBTQ+ youth in Lehigh County,” added Commissioner Brace.

About Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center (www.bradburysullivancenter.org) 

Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center provides arts, health, youth, and Pride programs to strengthen and support the LGBTQ+ community across Pennsylvania’s Greater Lehigh Valley.

Information provided to TVL by:
Stephen Jiwanmall
Communications Manager
Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center
 

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