What are the current smoking rates among LGBTQIA+ individuals compared to the general population? What unique barriers do LGBTQIA+ individuals face when trying to quit smoking? What are the recommended pharmacotherapies and behavioral interventions for smoking cessation? What training is needed for providers to deliver culturally affirmative smoking cessation treatment for LGBTQIA+ patients? 

Dr. Rhonda Schwindt is an Associate Professor at The George Washington University School of Nursing. She is a nationally certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with an active clinical practice specializing in LGBTQIA+ health, trauma, and treatment-resistant mood disorders. Dr. Schwindt earned a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from Case Western Reserve University, a Master of Science in Nursing from Indiana University School of Nursing, a Bachelor of Arts from Purdue University, and a diploma in nursing from St. Elizabeth School of Nursing. Dr. Schwindt has a funded program of research focused on improving health outcomes for the LGBTQIA+ community. She led a team of researchers that examined barriers to, and facilitators of, smoking cessation and treatment utilization in the transgender and gender expansive population as well as studies exploring best practices for teaching graduate students how to provide affirming care. Dr. Schwindt has received international recognition as an outstanding graduate nurse educator and for clinical excellence in the care of persons living with serious mental illness. 

Resources 

Pride in Being Tobacco-Free 

UCSF Smoking Cessation Leadership Center 

Fenway Health 

Trevor Project