Leveraging SOGI and REAL Data to Advance Equity in Behavioral Health

The collection of client or patient data is a critical step in systematically documenting and addressing health inequities and disparities. For Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and LGBTQIA+ persons, it is crucial to collect Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) and Race, Ethnicity, and Language (REAL) data to identify potential inequities and disparities in care. Collecting SOGI and REAL data helped providers deliver the best possible care to each client and patient. Rather than making assumptions about an individual’s preferred language, culture, sexual orientation, or gender identity, this data can help tailor care to meet the needs of each client and patient.

For this webinar on Wednesday, 2/22/23 at 10 - 11:30 am PT (1 - 2:30 pm ET, 12 - 1:30 pm CT, 11 am - 12:30 pm MT) presenters outlined the landscape of SOGI and REAL data collection, and how certain settings like county behavioral health departments and community health centers have been collecting SOGI and REAL data to advance health equity efforts for their clients and patients.

This webinar included speakers from the following organizations:
• The Fenway Institute
• The California Department of Health Care Services
• Marin County Behavioral Health & Recovery Services
• Solano County Behavioral Health
• The Los Angeles LGBT Center

The webinar was hosted by the California Institute for Behavioral Health Solutions (CIBHS), and co-sponsored by the California Primary Care Association (CPCA) and the County Behavioral Health Directors Association of California (CBHDA) as a part of Delta Center California.