The University of Toledo Medical Center has again been recognized as a “Leader in LGBT Healthcare Equality” in the Healthcare Equality Index 2014, an annual survey conducted by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, the educational arm of the country’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) organization.
UTMC met the core four criteria for LGBT patient-centered care to earn the status of Leader in LGBT Healthcare Equality: patient nondiscrimination policies, visitation policies, employment nondiscrimination policies, and training in LGBT patient-centered care.
“We are ecstatic to be considered a leader for health-care equality for the second year in a row,” said Dr. Shanda Gore, UT associate vice president for equity, diversity and community engagement. “It says a great deal about our hospital, employees and patient care. We are proud to be able to supply safe and equal care for anyone who visits UTMC.”
More than 1,500 facilities were evaluated nationwide, and UTMC was one of 426 to be named an Equity Leader. UTMC was the only medical facility achieving this status in northwest Ohio.
“We are consistently meeting the criteria and leading the area; we hope to be an example for other facilities in northwest Ohio so that they can achieve the same status,” Gore said.
“We are extremely proud of the effort our hospital puts in to ensure people from all backgrounds and orientations receive the same care,” said Lawrence J. Burns, UT vice president for external affairs. “This recognition reinforces the mission of The University of Toledo to improve the human condition and serve a diverse population.”
For more information about the Healthcare Equality Index 2013, or to download a free copy of the report, visit bit.ly/HEI2014Report.
