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ADVOCATE Program

The Advancing Opportunities in Clinical and Translational Equity in SGM Health (ADVOCATE SGM Health) Program is led by Director Lauren Beach, PhD, JD, and Associate Director Sumanas Jordan, MD, PhD.

The program focuses on advocating for good quality care and research-practice-policy improvements in community and public health. The program has a special emphasis on health systems, health care, and health equality within the LGBTQ+ community. ADVOCATE centers the community throughout the research process to identify gaps in treatment and how clinicians and clinical practice can be adapted to better understand clinical care needs and experiences of the LGBTQ+ community.

An ultimate goal of this program is to translate our research into real-world practices and policy changes that positively impact LGBTQ+ patients. 

Mission and Vision

The mission of ADVOCATE is to advance clinical, translational, and health equity research among underrepresented Sexual and Gender Minority (SGM) populations and people with HIV using community engaged and intersectional organizing approaches to translate research to practice and policy for maximum health equity impact. 

The vision of ADVOCATE is to co-lead and disseminate rigorous SGM and HIV health research in partnership with community and patient stakeholders designed to inform and advance structural health equity interventions rooted in intersectionality and social justice.

News About ADVOCATE

Newly Launched ADVOCATE Program Advances LGBTQ Clinical Health Equity, November 2022

Northwestern Cancer Center Uses Data Collection to Address LGBTQ Health Disparities, October 2022