Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center was today named a leader in providing equal health care services for the LGBT community for 2014 by the Human Rights Campaign ( HRC ) Foundation's Health Care Equality Index ( HEI ) report for a sixth consecutive year.
The first Chicago-area hospital to have been recognized by the HEI in 2008, Advocate Illinois Masonic was again recognized as a Leader in LGBT Healthcare Equality in the annual survey conducted by the HRC, the educational arm of the country's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender ( LGBT ) organization.
Advocate Illinois Masonic earned top marks in meeting non-discrimination and training criteria that demonstrate its commitment to equitable, inclusive care for LGBT patients and their families, as well as equal treatment for its staff. A select group of 426 U.S. hospitals were named Leaders in LGBT Healthcare Equality, according to the report. Advocate Illinois Masonic was one of only eight health care providers in Chicago to have been recognized. Facilities awarded this title meet key criteria, including patient and employee nondiscrimination policies for 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.
"I am thankful to represent an organization like Advocate Illinois Masonic, which is committed to providing excellent care to everyone we serve in our community," says Rev. Delois Brown-Daniels, vice president of Mission & Spiritual Care and Community Relations for Advocate Illinois Masonic. "We have physicians and associates who are committed to finding the best practices, policies and education to insure we're being respectful in our work and behavior towards all those we serve. We have a sign at our entrance that reads, 'Welcome all to this place of healing.' As a faith-based institution, we're happy to welcome all the people."
"Leaders in LGBT Healthcare Equality change the lives of LGBT patients and their families for the better each and every day," says Chad Griffin, HRC president. "LGBT people should be treated equally in all aspects of our lives, and HRC celebrates Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center for their tireless work to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all patients."
The Healthcare Equality Index offers health care 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 new regulatory requirements and access to high-quality staff training, Griffin says.
For more information about the Healthcare Equality Index 2014 or to download a free copy of the report, visit www.hrc.org/hei .
