Trans Care BC

Who They Are

Trans Care BC is a provincial clinical program operated by the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA). They work with partners to set direction and provide leadership for trans health services across British Columbia. Their efforts ensure that trans, Two-Spirit, and non-binary people receive the care they need when and where they need it.

Services

Trans Care BC provides information, resources, and pathways to care related to trans health and wellness. They support healthcare professionals with clinical tools, resources, and education.

Health Navigation Team

Trans Care BC's health navigation team helps trans, Two-Spirit, and non-binary people in British Columbia identify healthcare system pathways, obtain information, and find services, resources, and supports related to trans health.

Vision

Trans Care BC envisions a British Columbia where people of all genders can access gender-affirming healthcare and live, work, and thrive in their communities.

Guiding Principles

• Gender-affirming care inclusive of non-binary identities
• Accountable and transparent
• Anti-oppressive, trauma-informed
• Collaborative
• Person-centred care
• Equitable and accessible

Strategic Aims

Trans Care BC collaborates closely with partners and stakeholders to develop a comprehensive provincial network of services. These collaborators include:

• The Ministry of Health
• Trans, Two-Spirit, and non-binary communities
• Individuals
• Non-profits
• Regional health authorities
• The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA)

They are expanding and sustaining healthcare services by:

• Developing gender-affirming, client-centred models of care.
• Working on equitable access to gender-affirming and supportive healthcare for children, youth, and families.
• Supporting access to reliable information, resources, and peer support for trans, Two-Spirit, and non-binary people, their families, friends, and health service providers.
• Offering advanced practice training and follow-up support for clinicians around B.C.

Model of Care

Trans Care BC aligns with international standards of care and supports the use and distribution of evidence-based information. They aim to improve care across the continuum and share best practices. Using a hub-and-spoke model of distributed care, including healthcare provider education and new approaches such as health navigators, the program brings healthcare closer to home for trans and gender-diverse people in British Columbia.

Their approach is to:

• Earn and build trust with trans, Two-Spirit, and non-binary individuals and communities, their families, as well as healthcare partners across B.C. through engagement and collaboration.
• Take a person-centred approach and work with each individual to achieve their personal healthcare goals.
• Respect diverse cultures, including the unique perspectives and needs of Indigenous people.

Trans Health Steering Committee

In October 2014, the Minister of Health announced that the Ministry of Health, PHSA, and Vancouver Coastal Health would work together to offer expanded and sustainable health services to support transgender communities across the province. The Trans Health Steering Committee met from December 2014 to May 2015, developing a provincial network model for person- and family-centred healthcare services for transgender British Columbians. The committee included trans individuals and family representatives and consulted with people from transgender communities, clinical experts, and other stakeholders.

Program Progress

PHSA became responsible for the provincial coordination of transgender health services in B.C., including the Transgender Health Information Program, in fall 2015. Since then, PHSA’s Trans Care BC program has been under development.

For more information, visit Health navigators at Trans Care BC or download a poster outlining the services provided by their health navigation team.