Marriottsville, MD , April 07, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bon Secours Health System announced today that each of its 15 managed acute care hospitals have 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.
The findings were part of HRC Foundation’s Healthcare Equality Index 2016, a unique annual survey that encourages equal care for LGBT Americans by evaluating inclusive policies and practices related to LGBT patients, visitors and employees.
Bon Secours hospitals 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.
Gloria Goins, Bon Secours chief diversity officer, stated “we are very proud that all Bon Secours managed hospitals have been recognized annually since 2012 as Leaders in LGBT Healthcare Equality. We recognize the struggle for a more humane world is not an option, but an integral part of our mission and values. Ensuring equal, respectful treatment of all is who we are. Equally, we are extremely proud that Bon Secours Health System had the fourth largest number of participating hospitals in the Healthcare Equality Index.”
The Bon Secours hospitals were among 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 Bon Secours for its work to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all patients.”
About Healthcare Equality Index
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.
About Bon Secours Health System, Inc.
Bon Secours Health System, headquartered in Marriottsville, Maryland, a $3.5 billion not-for-profit Catholic health system, owns, manages, or joint ventures 19 acute-care hospitals, one psychiatric hospital, five nursing care facilities, four assisted living facilities, and several home care and hospice programs. Bon Secours’ more than 23,000 caregivers help people in ten communities in six states, primarily on the East Coast. For more information, visit the website at www.bshsi.org.
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