SLCH was named a national leader in providing non-discriminatory care to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) patients and the community.
The recognition accompanies the release of the latest annual Healthcare Equality Index (HEI) by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, the educational arm of the country’s largest civil rights organization.
How leader status is earned
Participants receive a numerical score based on their LGBTQ-inclusive policies and practices. HEI participants are given scores in four criteria:
- Foundational elements of LGBTQ patient-centered care
- LGBTQ patient services and support
- Employee benefits and policies
- LGBTQ patient and community engagement
Participants that receive the maximum score in each section earn the coveted status of “2018 LGBTQ Healthcare Equality Leader.”
In the 2018 report, 418 facilities, including SLCH, earned HRC’s “LGBTQ Healthcare Equality Leader” designation with a score of 100. Another 95 facilities earned the “Top Performer” designation for scoring from 80 to 95 points. With 82 percent of participating facilities scoring 80 points or more, healthcare facilities are going beyond the basics when it comes to adopting policies and practices in LGBTQ care.
"This recognition is so important to our hospital for our employees and our patients and families," says Amy Hunter, manager, Diversity and Inclusion. "Our goal is for everyone to be welcomed, and we are striving to be inclusive in every way and every day."
