About
Overview
In June 2003, Vancouver Coastal Health launched a new transgender health service based on Dr. Kopala's Recommendations for a Transgender Health Program.
Mission of the Transgender Health Program
To improve the transgender community's access to quality health and social care.
Goals
- increase service providers' understanding, awareness, and competence relating to transgender health needs
- develop evidence-based best practice guidelines for transgender care
- facilitate smooth navigation of health, social, and legal systems for people undergoing gender transition
- expand peer support to transgender community members who are geographically or otherwise isolated
- improve evaluation of service delivery to transgender community
The program aims to:
- create a community-based network of health and social service practitioners
- help anyone with a transgender health question (transgender people, loved ones, health care providers, employers, etc.) to find accurate information and resources
- offer peer counseling and outreach to people who can't access existing peer support resources
- develop resources to assist GPs in taking over the coordination of patient care
- develop protocols for transgender medicine (in keeping with the World Professional Association for Transgender Health's Standards of Care)
- develop educational materials to train health and social service practitioners
- work with the Medical Services Plan to create a new process for application for coverage of gender transition surgeries
Click one of the links below to read more about the program's history, structure, and services, or click here to contact the Transgender Health Program.
Read More
