VNS Health’s LGBTQ+ program manager Arthur Fitting and clinical director of the Gender Affirmation Program Shannon Whittington were featured in Crain’s New York Business 2023 list for “Notable LGBTQIA+ Leaders.” Arthur and Shannon are listed among 74 honorees, who are pivotal in pushing for equality, inclusion, and diversity in a wide range of industries. Their commitment, passion, and focus to these causes are what drive change in their respective fields.
Arthur coordinates with LGBTQIA+ communities, non-profits, advocacy groups, and other organizations to improve health care accessibility for LGBTQIA+ individuals. Crain’s notes “By providing training and serving as a resource for hospice clinicians and social workers, Fitting helps to better integrate sexual orientation and gender-identity language throughout intake processes.” In addition to his work, he has also played a crucial role in HIV/AIDS Health Awareness and Advocacy and supports the New York City HIV planning council needs assessment committee.
Shannon oversees VNS Health’s Gender Affirmation Program and helps prepare clinicians to provide home care for transgender and nonbinary patients who had gender affirmation surgery. The publication states Shannon “plays a vital role in recruiting and training New York City clinicians, ensuring that patients undergoing gender-affirmation surgery receive expert care and feel fully supported during the experience.” She also shares her knowledge on care for LGBTQIA+ individuals to other organizations and is involved in a study about post-surgical home care after gender affirmation surgery.
Crain’s subscribers can read the full article here.
