Transgender & Gender Diverse (TGD) Wellness & Equity Program. A groundbreaking statewide initiative launched by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) and the Public Health Institute of Metropolitan Chicago (PHIMC) in early 2024 to support and expand gender affirming care.
The TGD Program expands comprehensive and medically necessary care for transgender, gender diverse, and LGBTQ+ individuals across Illinois. This initiative expands organizational capacity to provide respectful and affirming care, contributing to the dismantling of systemic discrimination and promoting equitable healthcare access.
Through this initiative, participating organizations provide services and conduct activities that include but are not limited to training and behavioral health support; employing Healthcare Navigation Specialists; gender affirming care training for staff; participation in a learning collaborative to share successes, challenges, and best practices; and develop strategies to expand their medically- and culturally-appropriate gender affirming care throughout their service areas.
