NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Vanderbilt Health said it will cease providing gender-affirming plastic surgeries for adults, citing operational limitations and a lack of surgical coverage.
In a statement, the medical center said it will continue offering nonsurgical gender-affirming care for adults 19 years and older. It also reiterated that it does not provide any gender-affirming care for patients younger than 19.
The hospital said it is in the process of contacting patients about the changes.
On its website, the Vanderbilt University Medical Center Program for LGBTQ Health describes its mission:
LGBTQ patients experience disparities in access to and quality of care, leading to preventable, adverse health outcomes including elevated risk for specific chronic diseases and increased rates of suicide and depression. The Vanderbilt Program for LGBTQ Health works to address these disparities, improve the health of LGBTQ patients, support education around LGBTQ Health, and foster research on the optimal ways to care for LGBTQ patients and families.
Here’s a beautiful story of how one mother turned her grief journey into a gathering of gratitude… and organ donation awareness.
Robb Coles highlights a special event organized by Cari Hollis – whose 26-year old son Austin died two years ago. Austin agreed to be an organ donor – and that single gesture saved multiple lives.
Cari reached out to as many recipients she could find – several of whom traveled to Nashville for an emotional celebration in Austin’s honor. One woman – whose life was saved by receiving Austin’s lungs – put it simply: “He’s my angel”.
- Rhori Johnston
