Community Health Nurse Champions Inclusivity and Care for LGBTQ+ Community
In a world where healthcare accessibility and inclusivity are becoming key focuses, Angel Hight, a community health nurse with CentraCare based in St. Cloud, emerges as a pivotal advocate for LGBTQ+ and other culturally sensitive communities. Her mission is straightforward yet profound: to ensure every individual, regardless of their identity, receives the respectful and affirming healthcare they deserve.
Championing Diversity in Healthcare
As healthcare becomes increasingly inclusive, Hight is at the forefront of CentraCare’s efforts to expand and improve gender-affirming care across Minnesota. CentraCare, which serves a wide array of communities across the region, previously operated a single gender medicine clinic. Thanks to Hight’s efforts, this service has broadened, embedding gender care more pervasively throughout the healthcare system. Her approach supports providers in becoming more knowledgeable about LGBTQ+ issues, ensuring everyone knows which clinicians are equipped to provide appropriate care.
“Our providers need to be knowledgeable,” Hight asserts. “Now, it’s forward-facing so that our community knows who they can see.”
Theresa Reichert, a colleague and transcultural equity nurse, sees Hight’s work as integral. “Angel has established crucial systems-level practices for inclusivity, such as policies to prevent discrimination,” she says, emphasizing Hight’s pivotal role in supporting CentraCare’s LGBTQ+ employee resource group.
An Unsung Hero Recognized
Despite seldom seeking recognition, Hight’s persistent efforts have earned her the title of “Unsung Health Hero.” Her initiatives include incorporating gender-neutral bathrooms and facilitating the inclusion of pronouns in patient-provider interactions, thereby creating safer and more welcoming spaces for individuals receiving care.
Hight’s impact extends beyond the clinic walls. She co-founded a steering committee within CentraCare to identify and meet the diverse needs of the LGBTQ+ community by leveraging creative approaches. This involves everything from executing safe space training for healthcare staff to implementing pronouns on staff name badges, underlining the importance of building respectful patient relationships.
Beyond LGBTQ+: Inclusive Efforts for All
Hight’s commitment to inclusivity does not stop with the LGBTQ+ community. She is equally dedicated to serving other underrepresented and stigmatized groups, notably the Muslim, Latino, and homeless populations. Through Project H.E.A.L., she tackles stigmas head-on, advocating for vulnerable groups with compassion.
“Really, they just need help,” Hight explains, highlighting her outreach efforts within locations like the Lincoln Center and local mosques. Her approach involves listening — “I’m here, what do you need from me?” — ensuring everyone has a voice in how they receive care.
Serving on the St. Cloud Pride Board and the Central Minnesota Suicide Prevention Coalition, Hight sees her role as a way to continuously give back and educate. Her ongoing educational pursuits, including her current studies at the University of Minnesota for a certification in transgender and gender-diverse healthcare, reflect her commitment to refining her skills to meet her community’s needs effectively.
Local Impact and Broader Implications
Hight’s work has not only transformed CentraCare but also created a ripple effect throughout the St. Cloud area. By fostering an environment of acceptance and inclusion, she has cultivated a sanctuary for all identities. In doing so, she’s assisting in tearing down barriers for countless residents in the area, making it increasingly welcoming for diverse communities.
Local real estate agent Jose Martinez envisions such initiatives significantly impacting the area beyond healthcare. “As we create more inclusive environments,” he explains, “we can expect increased interest from people looking for safe places to live, which can ultimately bolster our local economy.”
Residents and advocates within the community share Martinez’s optimism. With performances such as Hight’s, St. Cloud and its surroundings are becoming beacons of inclusivity, offering a model of transformation worthy of emulation in other communities.
A Vision for the Future
Moving forward, the potential for Hight’s efforts to inspire similar initiatives transcends Minnesota’s borders. By highlighting the importance of inclusivity, these actions encourage broader discussions on healthcare disparities and the significance of personalized care approaches nationwide.
Her work underscores the transformative power of persistent advocacy and community interest. The ongoing commitment to these values suggests a hopeful future where inclusivity and respect for all are hallmarks integrated into every community’s setup.
Resources and Opportunities for Community Engagement
St. Cloud Live offers numerous avenues for community members to stay engaged with news and services, including sections devoted to local stories and announcements. The platform provides access to a comprehensive e-edition, business news, and opportunities for advertising — resources that help promote communal knowledge and connection.
In summary, Angel Hight’s work is not only crucial to CentraCare’s success but also to broader community enrichment. As she continues to lead initiatives that redefine health care inclusivity, the landscape of the St. Cloud and surrounding areas becomes more inclusive, setting the stage for a new era of understanding and acceptance.
