Gay Men's Health Equity Readiness Assessment Issue Brief

Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBM)1 continue to face disproportionate rates of HIV and STD infections in the United States (U.S.). Despite health departments’ ongoing efforts, issues of stigma and discrimination, health care access, and health literacy among GBM remain. In October 2017, NASTAD and the National Coalition of STD Directors (NCSD) released the Gay Men’s Readiness Health Assessment Tool. The tool was developed through the NASTAD and NCSD Gay Men’s Health Equity workgroup with contributions by health department members, NASTAD, and NCSD staff. 

The readiness assessment tool encompasses several topic areas that measure health department’s capacity to collect data and provide equitable services for GBM health, particularly in the areas of HIV and STD care, treatment and prevention, and ensuring adequate community engagement and financial support. The following brief showcases key findings gathered through the assessment including recommendations for health departments to consider as they continue their programs for GBM.