Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital has named Jackie Baras its LGBT health navigator, it announced Wednesday.
In this role, Baras will serve as a representative and liaison for LGBT patients and employees at RWJUH. She will also make sure LGBT patients and employees can successfully navigate all available resources to address their health care needs.
A big part of her role will also focus on health promotion, disease prevention, innovation, addressing knowledge gaps and identifying community referrals.
“I am both honored and excited to assume this new role,” Baras said. “As RWJUH and other healthcare organizations recognize the importance of addressing the unique healthcare needs of the LGBT community, there is a tremendous need to build strong, coordinated networks among providers and community-based organizations which serve as advocates for the LGBT community. Many LGBT individuals may not be aware of the broad range of resources that are available and I am looking forward to connecting them with existing services and building partnerships to develop new programs that will meet the needs of this community.”
“By sharing her personal experiences and demonstrating a tireless commitment to providing the highest-quality healthcare services to the LGBT community, Jackie continues to serve as an inspiration to us all,” John J. Gantner, CEO and president of RWJUH, said. “Jackie was a driving force behind the first Health Equality Index application that established RWJUH as a Leader in LGBTQ Healthcare Equality by the Human Rights Campaign. I am proud to say that RWJUH New Brunswick has achieved this prestigious designation four consecutive years due in large part to Jackie’s hard work. Appointing Jackie to this role represents the next important step in our journey and we are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead under her leadership.”
In addition to her role as LGBT health navigator, Baras also serves as quality nurse manager for PeriOperative Services; lead group facilitator for PROUDLY ME Education/Support Group; group facilitator, PROUD Community Advisory Council; and co-chair of PROUD Business Resource Group at RWJUH.
