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Who We Are

Rainbow Health Ontario is a province-wide program designed to improve access to services and to promote the health of Ontario’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) communities.

Rainbow Health Ontario (RHO) began operations in January 2008 and the RHO team consists of 4.5 staff in Toronto and 14 part-time Community Outreach Team members, one in each of Ontario’s Local Health Integration Networks (LHINs).

What We Do

Although much has changed, the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people are often overlooked in our health and social service systems. Ontario’s Ministry of Health and Long Term Care funds RHO to act as a catalyst in improving services, increasing knowledge, showcasing innovative practice and encouraging networking and collaboration. Our activities include:

Information and Consultation

- Maintaining a comprehensive website featuring searchable databases of LGBT health information, news and events

- Consulting with health and social service providers and community groups and conducting outreach in all LHIN areas

Education and Training

- Providing a database of trainers across Ontario and developing special training initiatives and curricula

- Hosting a provincial conference offering education, networking and partnership opportunities

Research and Policy

- Developing partnerships with researchers to gather LGBT health data and to encourage more LGBT health research in Ontario

- Promoting the uptake and integration of evidence into the development of public policy