Providing Equitable Care for LGBTQ+ Youth in Rural Communities

Children and young people across the U.S. are experiencing a mental health crisis. Improving access to equitable and high-quality care is critical for our young people, particularly in rural communities due to long-standing health care shortages.

This is especially true for those with marginalized identities, such as BIPOC and LGBTQ+ youth in rural areas, who experience disproportionate challenges in accessing equitable, person-centered care. What steps can we take to help bridge the gaps?

Find out during Rural Interest Group Community Chat: Providing Equitable Care for LGBTQ+ Youth in Rural Communities, a National Council Rural Health Interest Group event, with providers and experts with lived experience.

More than a webinar, this is a discussion-based session for sharing your ideas, experiences, innovations and questions with health care leaders who are implementing cutting-edge change to further reach and support young people in their communities.

Please note: Because of the sensitive and often personal nature of this topic, this session will not be recorded, and the speakers will prioritize creating a space for open and safe conversations regarding personal experiences and ideas.

Arc Telos Saint Amour

Executive Director, Youth MOVE National

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Arc Telos “Tay” Saint Amour (they/them) is a neurodivergent, autistic, queer and trans, Two-Spirit, gender non-conforming person of Mexican Indigenous descent (Coahuiltecan), and a victim/survivor of childhood abandonment, trauma, and abuse. This lived and living experience has led them to a deep belief in Native Indigenous animism, radical empathy, and the power of holistic affirmation and self-agency. They are currently a national speaker / presenter, the Executive Director of Youth MOVE National, and the owner / founder of Arc Telos Consulting.

Terry Scraggins, LMSW

2024 IBR Accomplished Under 40 Honoree & U.S. Navy Veteran

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Terry (he/they) holds a Master of Social Work from Boise State University and is a Licensed Master Social Worker in the State of Idaho graduated. He is a Navy Veteran, foster alumni and is heavily involved in the greater Boise community with local nonprofits and agencies that focus on empowerment. Terry has 10+ years of advocacy work in areas such as child welfare and family strengthening and expertise in empowering and advocating for LGBTQIA+ youth, particularly foster youth. He is passionate about advocating for positive outcomes for individuals, inclusivity and fair treatment for all, with intentionality around supporting historical marginalized communities and the global majority.

Destiny Woodard

Peer Support Specialist, Chesapeake Voyagers, Inc.

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Destiny Woodward is a Peer Support Specialist for Chesapeake Voyagers. She has a loving and supportive fiancé, and they have two affectionate sons together. Destiny graduated from the University of Arizona with a BA in Communications, and believes that the greatest step in helping others is first starting with ourselves. She has learned from mistakes in her past, and utilized them to make her a better person. Mental health and wellness is something that can be beneficial to us all, as it is an ongoing and never-ending process. She was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, PTSD, generalized anxiety, and ADHD when she was 16, and has been in counseling since she was 6 years old. She is a survivor of suicide attempts, and is grateful for her loving support system. She loves to read and write; it is a mechanism that she has used in her mental health recovery. One of her favorite quotes is from the Greek writer Sophocles, “If we always helped one another, no one would ever need luck”. Mental health needs more unashamed conversation, to create the opportunity for growth. Together, we can grow positive thoughts regarding our mental health and wellness.

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