Gerald J. Friedman Transgender Health and Wellness Program is a groundbreaking medical initiative housed within Lenox Hill Hospital that focuses on the healthcare and safety needs of transgender, nonbinary, and gender-diverse individuals. As part of Northwell Health, one of New York’s largest healthcare providers, the program delivers comprehensive and affirming emergency and public safety-related care tailored specifically to the transgender community. The program emphasizes trauma-informed, culturally competent, and inclusive practices, ensuring every patient is treated with dignity and respect, especially in urgent or vulnerable situations.

Working in close collaboration with public health and safety professionals, the Friedman Program educates first responders, emergency room staff, and clinicians to improve safety outcomes and reduce discrimination during critical interventions. A core tenet is the commitment to creating safer emergency services pathways for transgender individuals in crisis, including mental health emergencies. The program is closely integrated with community advocacy groups and participates in training, outreach, and education aimed at improving emergency care equity.

Website: https://friedmantransgenderprogram.org/

Key Services:

– Emergency healthcare coordination for transgender individuals
– Crisis response and support for transgender patients
– Cultural competency training for emergency and public safety personnel
– Public health partnership initiatives to improve safety outcomes
– Trauma-informed care in emergency medical settings
– Advocacy and education to reduce healthcare disparities in emergencies
– Safe referrals and support for emergency shelter or mental health services
– Integrated care planning for individuals encountering public safety systems