San Diego health-care facilities recognized by the HRC for work with LGBT community
SAN DIEGO (CNS) – Several San Diego County health-care facilities were recognized Wednesday by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation for promoting equitable treatment for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender patients and their families.
Scripps Health facilities in Chula Vista, Encinitas, San Diego and La Jolla were among 426 facilities named as a “Leader in LGBT Healthcare Equality” in the Healthcare Equality Index 2014. Kaiser Permanente San Diego Medical Center, the UC San Diego Health System and the VA San Diego Healthcare System were also recognized, according to the report by the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights organization.
The Human Rights Campaign Foundation named Scripps Health as an LGBT health-care leader for the third year in a row.
“Leaders in LGBT Healthcare Equality change the lives of LGBT patients and their families for the better each and every day,” HRC President Chad Griffin said. “LGBT people should be treated equally in all aspects of our lives, and HRC celebrates Scripps Health for their tireless work to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all patients.”
Scripps officials said the nonprofit health system earned points for meeting training criteria that show a commitment to equitable, inclusive care for LGBT patients and their families, who sometimes face discrimination — like being blamed for their health status — or other challenges in securing adequate health care.
“At Scripps, we believe in providing equal treatment and respect not just to our patients, but to our employees, too,” said Vic Buzachero, Scripps corporate senior vice president for innovation, human resources and performance management. “We are honored to be recognized by the HRC Foundation. We remain committed to providing quality, compassionate care to our diverse patient population while fostering a culturally inclusive workplace.”
The HRC rated health-care organizations based on patient non-discrimination policies as they address sexual orientation and gender identity; visitation policies that applied to LGBT patients and their visitors, such as same-sex partners or parents; policies protecting employees from discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity; and staff training in LGBT patient-centered care, according to the report.
