History: Mautner Project was founded in 1990 following the death of Mary-Helen Mautner in 1989 of breast cancer. Shortly before her death, Mary-Helen asked her partner, Susan Hester, to start an organization that could help other lesbians facing the overwhelming challenges of life-threatening illnesses.
Mission: Mautner Project is committed to improving the health of women who partner with women including lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals, through direct and support services, education and advocacy.
Vision: Mautner Project envisions a health care system that is respectful of and accessible to all without regard for their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. Our vision is a society in which all individuals are empowered with the knowledge to utilize these resources and to make appropriate choices for themselves.
Programs: In addition to providing phone support and resource referrals for lesbians nationally and in a variety of community health workshops, The Mautner Project offers a variety of programs:
- Removing the Barriers® - the first and only training program for physicians and health care staff on the health care needs of lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals;
- Removing the Barriers: Silver® - a training program for physicians, health care staff, and others on the health care needs of lesbian, bisexual and transgender elders;
- Spirit Health Education (S.H.E.) Circle® - a national health education program focused on African-American women who partner with women. This comprehensive, holistic program fully utilizes the multi-dimensional influences of culture and sexuality;
- Tools for Caring – a new breast health program focused on the needs of currently low-income lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals;
- Making Our Vitality Evident (MOVE) - A weight loss/risk reduction program encouraging women to select one of four eating plans, participate in a purposeful movement activity on a regular basis and offers an opportunity to openly discuss issues related to weight.
- SmokeLess LGBT DC - An education colation designed to inform the LGBT community and allies about tobacco's negative health impact on the LGBT community, the targeting of the LGBT community by the tobacco industry, the particular danger to LGBT youth, and the use of tobacco profits to fund public policies detrimental to the LGBT community.
- The Mautner Project Client Services department - is a client navigation program utilizing a national information/referral program, phone support, in-person support and online support, to help any LGBTQ-identified person with a serious illness, their families and caregivers navigate the healthcare system.
- LBT health advocacy through health coalitions targeting public policies, as well as through education and training.
Services: Direct services have always played a major part in making our mission statement reality for the LBT community. Currently, we offer direct services through:
Milestones: As the only national lesbian health organization, the Mautner Project continues to develop strong national, regional and local visibility as it increases its advocacy, education, research, training and support-services. Some of the Mautner Project’s milestones include:
Organizational Structure: The Mautner Project is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) non-profit organization governed by an all-volunteer Board of Directors composed of community leaders, healthcare providers, cancer survivors and caregivers.
For more information, please contact us: 202.332.5536 or info@mautnerproject.org
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