Embrace the Journey KY is based on community-engaged public health research conducted at the University of Louisville in Louisville, KY. The “LGBTQ+ Adolescent Health Study” was the first in Kentucky to work directly with LGBTQ+ youth, their parents, health providers, doctors, and social workers to learn more about how to support the unique health needs of LGBTQ+ youth. The key finding of the study was that LGBTQ+ youth who have supportive parents, guardians, or adults in their lives experience reduced levels of depression, anxiety, suicidality, and other mental health disorders.

The Research Team

Ryan Combs, MA, Ph.D. – Associate Professor, School of Public Health and Information Sciences, University of Louisville

Contact: ryan.combs@louisville.edu

Hallie Decker, MSSW – Research Manager, Office for Research and Innovation, University of Louisville

Contact: hallie.decker@louisville.edu