International Journal of Health Science & Biomedicine

Abstract 

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic devasted health outcomes and economies globally. As a result, many suffered financial hardships, childcare challenges, and poor mental health due to the pandemic’s negative effects. Young people were particularly affected by the pandemic as it pertained to education, social isolation, and access to essential resources and services. Additionally, the U.S. experienced a rise in anti-LGBTQ+ proposals and laws were introduced or passed in various states across the country, particularly in the South. LGBTQ+ youth and young adults are more likely to experience and report poor mental health compared to their straight counterparts. As a result, my two research collaborators (Dr. Gayle Beck and Phillis Lewis) and I proposed to examine the perceptions of mental health services, access, and availability among the LGBTQ+ student community and LGBTQ+ identifying faculty and staff on the University of Memphis campus. As a result of the pending or enacted anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and the effects of the pandemic, a needs assessment was conducted. Three methodological approaches were used to capture student, faculty, and staff insights; an online survey, focus groups, and interviews. The results of the needs assessment suggest that efforts could be used to improve access and reduce barriers for LGBTQ+ students on campus to improve overall mental health by facilitating the provision of counseling services, improving the campus atmosphere for students via training, and supporting LGBTQ mental health on campus.