Inclusive, welcoming health care for all
We know that visiting a health care facility can be a stressful situation for anyone, but we recognize that this burden is especially felt by the LGBTQA+ community, who may have concerns about discrimination or being misunderstood. The University Health Center is committed to providing affirming health care to the LGBTQA+ campus population and continually works to enhance our services, policies and practices to ensure we are inclusive of all genders and sexual orientations.
Here is what LGBTQA+ students, faculty and staff should know about the health center before they visit.
Appointment Check-In
All patients are asked to fill out a confidential medical history form that will ask your gender and sexual orientation. We acquire this information to satisfy requirements by insurance companies and so that we can provide patients with relevant and effective care. This and any other information you disclose will be kept confidential.Names and Pronouns
We want to make sure you are identified correctly when visiting the health center. We encourage you to share your chosen name and which pronouns we should use so we can correctly and respectfully address you. If you wish to change your name or pronouns on your medical records at any time, let the check-in desk staff know. Please note that medical records are separate from the information provided by the University Registrar. If you change your name and pronouns with us, it will only affect your medical record. If you wish to update your information for the university system, contact the University Registrar.Restrooms
We offer single-occupancy all-gender restrooms in the following locations:- Level one by the College of Nursing simulation rooms
- Second level inside Counseling and Psychological Services, between the main men’s and women’s restrooms and inside the main entrances to the medical clinic
Community-Specific Services
While the health needs of LGBTQA+ students are often the same as all patients, we understand LGBTQA+ students face several health disparities. The following is a brief overview of services that target and address these disparities:
- Contraceptive services – The pharmacy sells condoms at a discounted rate. The medical clinic offers free sexual health and resource kits provided by the Gender and Sexuality Center. Students can get individual kits at one of the distribution points on campus. Click here to learn more about these kits.
- HPV immunizations – The Centers for Disease Control has expanded the immunization recommendations to males ages 13 through 21; females ages 13 through 26; gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men; transgender people; and persons with certain immunocompromising conditions ages 22 through 26. Talk to your doctor about ordering this immunization for you.
- Sexually Transmitted Infection testing – Students who pay the University Program and Facilities Fee and have a doctor’s order can receive chlamydia/gonorrhea and HIV testing for no additional cost. We also offer a number of other STI tests at a cost. Click here to learn more about our STI testing services.
- Pelvic and testicular exams – If you have a concern related to your sex organs, we have inclusive providers who can provide you with an exam. Learn more.
- Mental health services – We have several psychiatric providers who can provide you with mental health medication management services. We also partner closely with Counseling and Psychological Services, which has providers on staff who specialize in LGBTQA+ concerns as well as alcohol/drug use, depression, anxiety, eating/body image concerns and more. CAPS offers individual counseling, group counseling, workshops and more. CAPS services are no cost to students. Click here to learn more about CAPS.
Accreditations and Awards
Nebraska Medicine is proud to be awarded the 2016 Healthcare Equality Index LGBTQ Leader in Healthcare Equality designation and 2017 Top Performer status by being nationally recognized by the Human Rights Campaign, America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Americans.Your Feedback is Valued
We hope you have an excellent experience when you visit the health center. All patients are encouraged to provide feedback about their experience so that we can continue to enhance our services, policies and practices. If you visited the medical clinic, you may be sent a survey requesting your feedback. If you do not receive a survey and would like to share feedback about your experience, please email info@nebraskamed.com.Resources
- LGBTQA+ Online resources: Variety of LGBTQA+ related information and resources on campus and in the community. The guide also contains information about the campus supporter list, campus and community history, terminology and more!
- Trans Guide: Information about trans resources on campus and in the community, as well as information about gender inclusive housing, restrooms, and legal name and record changes.
- Nebraska Medicine and UNMC Resource List for the LGBT Community: This page contains information on health concerns that the LGBTQA+ community may face, a list of LGBTQA+-friendly providers at Nebraska Medicine, a Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Resource Guide and much more.