Diversity and Rural Advocacy Group awarded AMSA/GLMA LGBTQ Health Achievement Award

Thursday, June 30, 2022

Media Contact: Katie Lacey | Communications Specialist | 405-744-9347 | katie.l.lacey@okstate.edu

The Diversity and Rural Advocacy Group (DRAG) was selected for the 2022 AMSA/GLMA LGBTQ Health Achievement Award for achieving exemplary success in advocating for the inclusion and advancement of LGBTQ issues. DRAG’s advocacy and inclusion work builds on the group’s research with LGBTQ+ people in surrounding rural areas.

"We feel incredibly honored to be recognized for our contributions to equity in health care, especially during such a turbulent time in the history of medicine," said Dr. Douglas Knutson, assistant professor in counseling and counseling psychology and director of DRAG.

At the creation of Diversity and Rural Advocacy Group, a consortium of graduate students and doctoral scholars sought to meet the need for more affirming care reported by LGBTQ+ patients in rural areas. The purpose of the group is to facilitate research in rural areas throughout the United States. It is also dedicated to training and educating others to have a clear understanding of LGBTQ+ populations and health concerns.

"From the earliest days of our organization, we have been incredibly fortunate to work with groundbreaking queer and trans scholars and researchers. I cannot wait to see what the future holds for all of our affiliates and partners,” Knutson said.