BMC Named ‘Leader in LGBT Healthcare Equality’ Three Years in a Row

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Jenny Eriksen Leary
Office of Communications
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The hospital was recognized in the Healthcare Equality Index 2016 national survey.

(Boston) - March 24, 2016 - Boston Medical Center (BMC) has been recognized as a “Leader 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. BMC earned top marks in meeting non-discrimination and training criteria that demonstrate its commitment to equitable, inclusive care for LGBT patients, and their families, who can face significant challenges in securing the quality health care and respect they deserve. This is the third year in a row BMC has been named a Leader in LGBT Healthcare Equality.

“Receiving this designation from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation is an honor, and a testament to BMC caregivers’ commitment to exceptional care for our LGBT patients,” said Kate Walsh, president and CEO of BMC. “In addition to providing high-quality medical care with the respect and dignity all of our patients deserve, BMC, in collaboration with Boston University School of Medicine, was the first in the country to use an evidence-based curriculum to teach transgender medicine to the future physician workforce, another sign of our commitment to the LGBT community.”

The findings were part of HRC Foundation’s Healthcare Equality Index 2016, an annual survey that encourages equal care for LGBT Americans by evaluating inclusive policies and practices related to LGBT patients, visitors and employees.

BMC is one of a select group of 496 healthcare facilities nationwide to be named Leaders in LGBT Healthcare Equality. Facilities awarded this title meet key criteria, including patient and employee non-discrimination 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.

“Despite all the progress we’ve made, far too many LGBT people still lack inclusive and affirming healthcare. Leaders in LGBT Healthcare Equality are helping to change that, and, in the process, making the lives of LGBT patients and their families better each and every day,” said Chad Griffin, President of the Human Rights Campaign. “LGBT people have a right to be treated equally in all aspects of our lives, and HRC celebrates Boston Medical Center for its work to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all patients.”

The Healthcare Equality Index offers healthcare facilities unique and powerful resources designed to help provide equal care to a long-overlooked group of patients, as well as assistance in complying with regulatory requirements and access to high-quality staff training.

For more information about the Healthcare Equality Index 2016, or to download a free copy of the report, visit www.hrc.org/hei.

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