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Each June, Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) joins other workplaces, organizations and communities to celebrate Pride Month. This annual observance honors the achievements of and challenges faced by the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer or questioning (LGBTQ+) community and gives us an opportunity to reflect on our commitment to equitable treatment for all in the workplace and health care settings.
For patients who identify as LGBTQ+, you can find supportive care at LVHN. By understanding and respectfully incorporating your sexual orientation and gender identity into your care, physicians and advanced practice clinicians with LVHN and Lehigh Valley Physician Group (LVPG) ensure the delivery of comprehensive, personalized care.
National recognition for ongoing work
Last summer, we were delighted when four LVHN hospital campuses received national recognition for providing services that advance health equity for individuals in the LGBTQ+ community and creating an inclusive work environment for all colleagues. Lehigh Valley Hospital (LVH)–Cedar Crest, LVH–17th Street, LVH–Muhlenberg and LVHN–Tilghman received “Top Performer” designation on the Human Rights Campaign’s 2019 Healthcare Equality Index (HEI).
Promoting inclusion for all patients and colleagues
While this recognition makes us #LVHNProud, it by no means signifies that our work is done. Our health network’s LGBTQ+ Patient and Family Care Experience project team continues to promote high-quality LGBTQ+ health care through clinical excellence, community outreach, education, electronic medical record documentation and policy development. They also work to advance workplace inclusion for all colleagues.
The team offers educational programming, represents LVHN at events hosted by local LGBTQ+ organizations and provides opportunities for patients to confidentially share sexual orientation and gender identity data to improve the quality of care we provide.
Happy Pride Month
LVHN’s commitment is to equitable, compassionate and high-quality health care for everyone and a workplace in which all colleagues feel respected and included. I’m proud of the work we’ve done and I’m excited to see what more we can achieve together as we all work toward a more inclusive future.
About the Author
Lynn Turner, MBA is Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer of Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN). She is accountable for promoting a culture that encourages open dialogue and communication among senior leaders and colleagues, and an exceptional colleague experience from “hire to retire.”
Learn more about supportive care at LVHN by visiting LVHN.org/lgbtq.