3/31/2016
PITTSBURGH, March 31, 2016 – Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC and Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic of UPMC (WPIC) 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 recognition is part of the HRC Foundation’s Healthcare Equality Index 2016, a unique annual survey that encourages equal care for LGBT Americans by evaluating inclusive policies and practices related to LGBT patients, visitors and employees.
WPIC and Children’s earned top marks in meeting non-discrimination and training criteria that demonstrate a commitment to equitable, inclusive care for LGBT patients and their families, who can face significant challenges in securing quality health care and respect.
“UPMC has worked very hard to strengthen and execute our diversity agenda,” said James E. Taylor, Ph.D., chief diversity and inclusion officer of UPMC. “We are excited to receive this recognition and will continue to lead efforts as an employer, provider and insurer that embraces the rich diversity of the Pittsburgh region.”
UPMC’s hospitals were among a select group of health care facilities nationwide to be named leaders in LGBT health care equality. 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, and LGBT health education for key staff members. This is WPIC’s second year for recognition and Children’s first.
“At WPIC, we recognize the challenges facing all of our patients in need of mental health care and worrying about discrimination should not be another struggle. Each patient has unique needs and we embrace their differences and their strengths, including members of the LGBT community,” said Carol VanZile, L.C.S.W., director of regulatory compliance at WPIC. “We pride ourselves on providing the highest level of care to each patient and visitor in a compassionate and respectful way by teaching the value of diversity and continually working to improve the patient experience.”
The Healthcare Equality Index offers health care facilities unique resources designed to help provide equal care to a long-overlooked group of patients, as well as assistance in complying with new regulatory requirements and access to high-quality staff training.
“The support of senior leadership within Children's Hospital to ensure that all individuals and families feel welcome, safe and included is the key to our ability to serve the most vulnerable and marginalized young people in our region and to provide top quality care,” said Elizabeth Miller, M.D., Ph.D., chief, Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine at Children’s Hospital.
Visit the Human Rights Council website for more information or to download a free copy of the report.
