Abstract 4126895: Bridging the Gap in San Joaquin Valley LGBTQ+ Cardiovascular Disease and Mental Health Disparities

Introduction: LGBTQ+ adults experience discrimination and violence that lead to stressors in daily life. Homophobia affects the mental health of the growing San Joaquin Valley (SJV) LGBTQ+ community leading to psychological distress and mental health concerns which can further lead to High Blood Pressure (HBP) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). SJV has a growing rate of LGBTQ+ migrants from the Bay Area who may be at risk for psychological distress and CVD. With a diverse community of low income and minority groups, the lack of physicians do not represent the workforce of SJV. Objectives: Trainees conducted Kessler psychological distress tests, HBP and CVD screenings across college campuses and community events to reduce the risk of CVD and spread awareness about mental health, CVD and its implications in the LGBTQ+ population due to environmental racism in the most underserved region for health care, SJV. Methods: I trained and provided mentorship to medically ambitious diverse low-income high school to instill a passion in them to come back after their medical education to practice medicine and promote LGBTQ+ health equity in SJV. Students conducted weekly Kessler psychological distress tests, HBP screenings and serve as a health technology coach. Each student monitored 2 hypertensive and psychological distressed patients. Kessler psychological distress tests and CVD screenings were conducted at college campuses to spread awareness about LGBTQ+ mental health and heart health and track psychological distress and HBP in the LGBTQ+ community. Findings: -About 88% (98 of 112) experienced some form of discrimination from a health care professional -About 57% (64 of 112) of SJV LGBTQ+ population are at risk for CVD -About 14% (16 of 112) of SJV LGBTQ+ population are Stage 1 hypertensive -About 76% (83 of 112) of SJV LGBTQ+ population are at risk for hypertension and are psychologically distressed Direct Outcomes: -Youth learned the value of empathy and service to disadvantaged LGBTQ+ communities through the program and volunteering -LGBTQ+ empowerment and students are determined to pursue medicine and address community concerns -Awareness, education among LGBTQ+ community for better heart and mental health -Better understanding in how to manage and seek referral for mental health and health systems concerns -Students learned about SJV health disparities and applied precision medicine to their own health inequity projects in SJV -Improved LGBTQ+ patient provider trust