The Rainbow Peer Project was born from the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community in accessing affirming healthcare, especially mental health services. Many individuals experience medical trauma due to a lack of LGBTQ+ affirming care, leading some to discontinue seeking help altogether. Alarmingly, suicide rates among LGBTQ+ youth are high, with at least one attempt every 45 seconds in the U.S., according to The Trevor Project.

We believe that affirming providers and a holistic approach to LGBTQ+ care can significantly reduce trauma and suicide rates. That's why we're dedicated to ensuring that individuals in our community have access to peer support services that meet their unique needs. Our goal is to provide inclusive, educated, and meaningful support across Pennsylvania, regardless of geographical or service area inequities.

This two-part grant will focus first on building a curriculum that focuses on creating a specialized peer workforce within the LGBTQIA+ Community. This course will be three-days long and will address areas such as gender affirming care, providing trauma informed care, and being knowledgeable about the complexities of the culture such as transitioning and the coming out process. PMHCA will provide this training throughout the state to create a diverse workforce of peers for the LGBTQIA+ Community.

In the second and third years, PMHCA will employ peers that will be trained on this material and provide peer-to-peer teleheath services to the LGBTQIA+ community throughout the state, focusing on rural areas that do not have gender affirming care available. 

Interested in applying for our first class in Harrisburg on September 18th - September 20th from 9 am to 4 pm daily? Fill out an application for class! Applications close on August 19th and individuals will be notified of acceptance on August 20th.

Harrisburg too far away for you? We will be holding a class in New Castle, PA on October 9th - October 11th from 9 am to 4 pm daily. Fill out an application for class. Applications will close on September 19th and individuals will be notified of acceptance on September 20th.

Are you in need of a peer professional that specializes in LGBTQIA+ care? We are accepting applications for in need peers for January 2025 start date. Complete the application here! 

Are you a certified peer specialist or certified recovery specialist interested in providing services to the LGBTQIA+ community? Email Ethan for more information!

Questions? Contact us at PMHCA@pmhca.org.