DENVER (AP) – The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is launching a program to help gay, bisexual and transgender Coloradans get better health care.

The agency said Wednesday more than 45 organizations are supporting the plan.

The department says gay, bisexual and transgender Coloradans have higher rates of substance use, infectious disease and depression. Health officials say a lack of access to insurance for same-sex partners and children, along with societal discrimination, can contribute to chronic emotional stress and health risk behaviors for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Coloradans.

Supporters want people to get appropriate health information, prevention services and health care.

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