You deserve to be healthy and we're here to help! Out, Proud, and Healthy (OPAH) is a research project led by Dr. Jane McElroy and Dr. Kevin Everett at the University of Missouri - Columbia. OPAH began in 2009 as the Check Out Project and began collecting data on tobacco use in lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) communities around Missouri. Results from surveys collected at Pride festivals and community events between 2009 and 2011 showed higher rates of smoking among LGBTQ individuals and low understanding of effective quit techniques and resources and of the targeting of LGBTQ communities by the tobacco industry. In 2010, the Check Out Project changed its name to Out, Proud, and Healthy and in an effort to address this disparity, OPAH began work to address a multitude of health disparities effecting the LGBTQ community including tobacco use, drug/alcohol abuse, mental health, regular physical health screenings, healthy eating, and positive self-image. This year, we're collecting more surveys, producing more information, and providing more resources so we can all be as happy and healthy as we deserve to be!
