Named as “Leader in LGBT Healthcare Equality” by National Survey
Mission Health has been recognized as a “Leader in LGBT Healthcare Equality” in the Healthcare Equality Index 2014, an annual survey conducted by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the county’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization. Mission Health received top marks for its commitment to continually demonstrating equitable, non-discriminatory care for LGBT staff, patients and their families that can often face significant challenges in securing quality healthcare.
“One of the main keys to providing comprehensive healthcare to all our patients begins internally by providing inclusive treatment for our own employees and caregivers,” said William Maples, MD, Senior Vice President and Chief Quality Officer, Mission Health. “Mission Health is committed to supporting healthcare equality for staff and their loved ones. We have been and will continue to show that same support for our patients and our community.”
Mission Health was one of a select group of 426 healthcare facilities nationwide to be named Leaders in LGBT Healthcare Equality. Facilities awarded this title meet key criteria, including patient and employee non-discrimination policies, a guarantee of equal visitation for same-sex parents and partners, as well as LGBT health education for staff members.
“We hope that being Leaders in Equality will continually making the lives of LGBT patients and their families better each and every day,” said Rebecca Bernstein, MD, Chair of the Diversity Committee for Mission Health. “We strongly believe that all people are endowed with the same rights and that everyone should be treated equally in all facets of life. It is a great desire of ours to continually cultivate an environment that is inclusive and welcoming for all patients and by becoming Leaders in Equity under HRC, we have moved toward making care better for our LGBT population.”
The annual Healthcare Equality Index provides healthcare facilities a unique and powerful opportunity to asses themselves against 30+ best practices in LGBT care. This comprehensive criteria is specifically designed to bring awareness to and promote healthcare facilities that provide equal opportunity care to an overlooked group of patients. For more information about the Healthcare Equality Index 2014, or to download a free copy of the report, visit www.hrc.org/hei.