Mission statement

The OHSU Transgender Health Program provides safe, comprehensive, affirming health care for the transgender and gender-diverse communities. We endeavor to improve the community's overall well-being through education, research and leadership that responds to the health care needs of transgender and gender-diverse people.

History and highlights

OHSU providers, administrators, advocates, patients and families worked together to create the vision for the Transgender Health Program. The program was designed to meet the needs identified by the community — and to continue to evolve as those needs grow and shift.

The OHSU Partnership Project, a collaboration of Portland-area public and private agencies serving the HIV and gender-diverse communities, was a driving force.

Since its launch in 2015, the Transgender Health Program has grown into a comprehensive source of gender-affirming care, education and support. We are a national leader in innovative care.

Our work has included:

• Connecting thousands of patients to gender-affirming care
• Training thousands of healthcare professionals in caring for transgender and gender-diverse patients in the U.S. and Europe
• Expanding medical, surgical, mental health and pediatric services
• Adding programs for patient education, peer support, parent support and volunteering
• Being repeatedly named a leader in the LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Index, a Human Rights Campaign Foundation program
• Successfully promoting inclusive policies and practices, such adding gender-neutral restrooms in government buildings and businesses
• Presenting at national and international conferences
• Adding surgical fellowships to train providers
• Forging partnerships with other transgender health programs and research institutions
• Establishing sustained partnerships with transgender-led community organizations

Diversity and inclusion

The Transgender Health Program offers culturally responsive medical care as part of OHSU’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. This includes:

• Services for you and your allies to improve understanding and your comfort.
• Services customized for particular populations.
• Services for OHSU employees that increase community involvement and build OHSU’s culture of inclusion.

Leadership

The Transgender Health Program is led by a director, clinical program manager, medical director, surgical director and pediatric clinic director.

We are also guided by:

Transgender Health Program Provider Group: This group of OHSU providers and staff meet regularly to develop program improvements. 

Transgender Health Program Community Advisory Board: This group is made up of transgender and gender-diverse people who have received program services or who represent served communities. Members apply to serve two-year terms. The group meets quarterly to advise the program about programs and services.

Advocacy

We are committed to helping the transgender and gender-diverse communities thrive by addressing issues big and small. We work with leaders in government, business and the community to change laws and policies. You’ll find us working to build a culture of inclusiveness at:

• Resource and health fairs
• Town halls
• Pride Northwest events

Services for OHSU employees and students

The THP offers services and resources for OHSU staff and students, including:

• Coaching and support for transgender and gender-diverse employees, including employees who are navigating transitioning in the workplace.
• Coaching for colleagues and supervisors of transgender and gender-diverse employees.
• Training in gender-affirming health care.
• Help developing policies that support an inclusive environment, such as having gender-neutral restrooms.