In March, Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health received honors from the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, for its dedication and commitment to the LGBTQ+ community.
The designation for LG Health was awarded in the 15th edition of the Human Rights Campaign's Healthcare Equality Index (HEI). Evaluating more than 900 health care facilities nationwide, the index is a national benchmarking tool that evaluates health care facilities on policies and practices dedicated to the equitable treatment and inclusion of their LGBTQ+ patients, visitors, and employees.
“LG Health is dedicated to ensuring that all patients have access to respectful, compassionate, and equitable health care at all times,” said Jean David Dumornay, MD, MBA, CPE, FAAFP, Executive Director, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health. “This designation recognizes our efforts to being an LGBTQ+-friendly organization and encourages us to pursue this goal even further.”
Each health-care facility received a score based on four central pillars: foundational policies and training in LGBTQ+ patient-centered care, LGBTQ+ patient services and support, employee benefits and policies, and patient and community engagement. Participants with a score of 100 points earned the foundation's "LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader" designation.
LG Health joined 495 other facilities that earned 100 points and the top designation. Other Penn Medicine hospitals recognized as a LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leaders include Chester County Hospital, the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, and Pennsylvania Hospital. Princeton Health received a score of 90 and was listed as a "Top Performer."
The Penn Medicine Program for LGBTQ Health was launched in 2013 to improve the health of LGBTQ+ individuals. Since then, the program has promoted an LGBTQ-inclusive climate, provided professional development for LGBTQ+ employees, increased LGBTQ+ participation in Penn research initiatives, and improved patient- and family-centered care for LGBTQ+ patients.
In addition to being a valuable tool and resource for health care organizations, the Healthcare Equality Index is used by LGBTQ+ patients and their families to find facilities that provide equitable and inclusive care. For more information about the Human Rights Campaign Foundation and the 2022 Healthcare Equality Index, visit the Human Rights Campaign.