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Four Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) hospital campuses received national recognition for demonstrating commitment to advancing health equity for individuals in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer or questioning (LGBTQ+) community, and creating an inclusive work environment for all colleagues.
The Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC) released its annual Healthcare Equality Index (HEI), which scores health care facilities on policies and practices dedicated to the equitable treatment and inclusion of their LGBTQ+ patients, visitors and employees. For more information, visit Healthcare Equality Index.
“At LVHN, we are committed to providing compassionate, high-quality health care that meets the unique needs of all patients, including those in the LGBTQ+ community,” says Judith Sabino, Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Liaison. “And, as an employer, we foster an environment that offers respect and inclusion for colleagues of all orientations and identities.”
Lehigh Valley Hospital (LVH)–Cedar Crest, LVH–17th Street, LVH–Muhlenberg and LVHN–Tilghman received “Leader” designation, earning 100 of 100 points in the scoring criteria. Moving forward, the assessment process will include LVH–Hazleton, LVH–Schuylkill and LVH–Pocono.
"LVHN has worked diligently to ensure that health care is provided equitably for the LGBT patient population,” says Adrian Shanker, Executive Director, Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center. “We are proud to partner with LVHN on numerous initiatives throughout the year, and we congratulate LVHN on receiving the highest designation possible in the Healthcare Equality Index.”
HEI assesses participants on five criteria:
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Nondiscrimination and staff training
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Patient services and support
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Employee benefits and policies
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Patient and community engagement
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Responsible citizenship
In the 2020 report, 495 facilities earned “LGBTQ+ Health Care Equality Leader” designation, receiving the maximum score in each section and earning an overall score of 100. Another 193 facilities earned the “Top Performer” designation for scoring from 80 to 95 points. In Pennsylvania, 25 organizations earned “Leader” designation, and LVHN is the only organization in the Lehigh Valley to do so.
About Human Rights Campaign Foundation
The Human Rights Campaign Foundation is the educational arm of America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people. HRC envisions a world where LGBTQ+ people are embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community.