The focus of your paper will be a marginalized special population that exists within your local community. This
may be a community where you live, work, or are otherwise familiar. For example, depending on the
community, you might choose a special population that faces prejudice and discrimination due to their sexual
orientation or gender identity, spiritual beliefs, race or ethnicity, disabilities, or their perceived social class or
socioeconomic status.
You will submit a 5-7 double spaced research paper describing a marginalized population that lives in your
selected community. Your final research paper has three distinct parts. Please make sure you address all three
parts of this assignment.
- Describe the community you are focusing on.
Atlanta, GA is the community.
o What are the demographics of the people who live there?
o Are there any important cultural, economic, geographic, or other distinguishing traits that may impact health
services?
o What types of health services and social services are available? If you live in a very small community,
expand the boundaries of the community to include the hospitals, health providers, etc. used by the people in
this area. - Describe the marginalized special population you have identified in this community. Your description should
be based primarily on the literature, but may include your own experiences, as well. Include the following in
your description.
The marginalized special population is the LGBTQ people
o Basic demographics;
o Values, beliefs, traditions, spirituality, diet, family structure, power structure, etc. that health providers should
know about this group’s culture;
o Predominant health problems or health issues experienced by this special population;
HIV/AIDS, mental health to include depression, suicide, anxiety.
o Barriers faced by this group in accessing health services, including prejudice and discrimination;
Cultural competence, specialized doctors, shame/embarrassment from stigmas, and medical mistrust.
o A brief description of any health service programs available in the community specifically designed to meet
the diverse needs of this population (if there are none, state this.);
o Impacts of local, state, or national policies on this group.