For the second year in a row, both St. Louis Children’s Hospital (SLCH) and Barnes-Jewish Hospital have been recognized as “Leaders in LGBT Healthcare Equality” by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the country’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization.
The honor is given to facilities that meet LGBT-inclusive benchmarks that are part of the HRC Foundation’s Healthcare Equality Index, a unique survey that encourages equal care for LGBT Americans by evaluating inclusive policies and practices related to LGBT patients, visitors and employees.
Both hospitals earned top marks in meeting nondiscrimination and training criteria that demonstrate their commitment to equitable, inclusive care for LGBT patients, and their families, who can face significant challenges in securing the quality health care and respect they deserve.
“St. Louis Children’s Hospital values the diversity of our patients and families, as well as our employees. In fact, Embracing Diversity is one of the six core values of our hospital,” says Greta Todd, SLCH director of diversity, inclusion and community affairs. “We are committed to providing the best possible experience for our LGBT patients and families, and we strive for a welcoming and inclusive environment.”
The hospitals are two of a select group of health care facilities nationwide to be named Leaders in LGBT Healthcare Equality. More than 1,500 hospitals are surveyed, and only about one-third receive this leadership designation. Facilities awarded this title meet key criteria, including:
- Patient and employee nondiscrimination policies that specifically mention sexual orientation and gender identity
- A guarantee of equal visitation for same-sex partners and parents
- LGBT health education for key staff members
“Despite all the progress we’ve made, far too many LGBT people still lack inclusive and affirming health care. Leaders in LGBT Healthcare Equality are helping to change that and, in the process, making the lives of LGBT patients and their families better each and every day,” says Chad Griffin, president of the Human Rights Campaign. “LGBT people have a right to be treated equally in all aspects of our lives, and HRC celebrates St. Louis Children’s and Barnes-Jewish hospitals for their tireless work to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all patients.”
