GMHE Readiness Assessment Tool Issue Brief

Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBM) continue to face disproportionate rates of HIV and STD infections in the United States (U.S.) compared to the general population. 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 Health Equity (GMHE) readiness assessment tool. The tool was developed through the NASTAD and NCSD GMHE workgroup with contributions by health department members, NASTAD, and NCSD.

The readiness assessment tool encompasses several areas that measure a health departments’ capacity to collect data and provide equitable services for GBM, particularly in the areas of HIV and STD care, treatment, and prevention. The following brief showcases key findings gathered through the assessment including recommendations for health departments to consider as they continue their work to meet the needs of GBM.