Community Needs Assessment
2025 Summary
Blackboots Twin Ports conducted a Community Health Needs Assessment in 2025 to better understand the experiences, challenges, and priorities of LGBTQ+ community members across the Twin Ports region. Survey participants represented a diverse range of gender identities, sexual orientations, ages, and life experiences. The assessment explored social determinants of health, including housing, food security, mental health, healthcare access, community belonging, and sexual health education.
Results identified several key areas of need. Housing affordability emerged as a significant concern, with many respondents reporting high housing costs, limited availability of affordable housing, and challenges maintaining stable housing. Mental health was another major priority, with participants describing difficulties accessing affirming mental health services despite high rates of mental health needs. Respondents also reported barriers to healthcare, including cost, insurance limitations, provider availability, and experiences of discrimination related to gender identity or sexual orientation. Food insecurity, transportation challenges, and difficulty accessing affordable medical and dental care were also common themes.
Participants highlighted many community strengths, including local LGBTQ+ organizations, community spaces, parks, libraries, and mutual support networks. A strong desire for expanded navigation services, affirming healthcare resources, sober community-building opportunities, and increased access to gender-affirming and mental health care was expressed.
These findings are being used to guide Blackboots Twin Ports’ future programming, advocacy efforts, educational initiatives, and community partnerships. By listening directly to community members, we can better focus our efforts on reducing barriers to care, strengthening support networks, and promoting health equity for LGBTQ+ individuals throughout the Twin Ports region. The Blackboots Twin Ports Community Health Committee developed an Action Plan, summarized below:
Action Plan Item 1: Health Literacy Programming
Blackboots Twin Ports is committed to helping community members make informed decisions about their health by expanding access to inclusive, relevant, and accessible health education. Through a multimodal health literacy program, we will offer educational opportunities covering a wide range of topics across the LGBTQ+ spectrum, including physical health, mental health, sexual wellness, gender-affirming care, healthcare navigation, and community resources. By providing information through workshops, community discussions, digital resources, and peer-led learning opportunities, we aim to empower individuals with the knowledge and confidence needed to advocate for their health and well-being.
Action Plan Item 2: Queer Peer Support Network
Community connection is a powerful tool for resilience, growth, and healing. The Queer Peer Support Network will bring together diverse, motivated, and compassionate community members who are interested in serving as mentors for others navigating life experiences, identity exploration, healthcare journeys, and personal challenges at any stage in their lives. Through supportive relationships and facilitated conversations, this program will create welcoming spaces where individuals can share experiences, build meaningful connections, and strengthen a sense of belonging. By fostering mutual support and community care, we hope to help participants build confidence, resilience, and lasting connections within the LGBTQ+ community.
Action Plan Item 3: Collaboration with Local Healthcare Training Programs
Improving healthcare experiences begins with education and understanding. Blackboots Twin Ports will partner with local healthcare training programs to connect students with LGBTQ+ community members who are willing to share their lived experiences and perspectives. These conversations will provide future healthcare professionals with a deeper understanding of the diverse realities, challenges, and strengths within LGBTQ+ communities before they begin practicing. In addition, participants will learn foundational principles of trauma-informed and affirming care, helping them build the skills needed to create respectful, inclusive, and patient-centered healthcare environments for all individuals they serve.