Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Named Leader in LGBTQ Healthcare Equality by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation

The Healthcare Equality Leaders were selected based on an annual survey, the Healthcare Equality Index (HEI), which identifies healthcare institutions that are leading the way in providing equal care for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer patients, as well as equity for LGBTQ staff.

"We are honored to receive this HRC recognition for the third consecutive year," said president and CEO of Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Madeline Bell. "Our investment in policies that protect the rights of our LGBTQ patients, families and employees reflects our ongoing commitment to providing culturally competent healthcare, and we look forward to making even greater strides in this area for years to come."

In a continued effort to create a more ideal LGBTQ patient, family and employee experience, CHOP has implemented a comprehensive plan to fully engage and educate employees. Over the past year, Pride@Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, the Hospital's employee resource group, and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI), have expanded their training offerings to Care Network sites throughout the region. Additionally, education endorsed by the HRC is now linked on the Hospital's employee Learning Management System, and CHOP's Gender and Sexuality Development Clinic continues to offer topical sessions. Also this year, LGBTQ patient and employee scenarios are being utilized in human resources training for new leaders, as well as in specific training sessions provided by CHOP's Leadership Institute and ODI.

Other notable activities and events over the last year include:

• Training on LGBTQ-related topics for over 450 staff throughout the main hospital and specialty/primary care network;
• Participation in the Philadelphia Pride Parade and the Trans Health Conference to celebrate the communities, as well as recruit future employees;
• Pride@Children's Hospital of Philadelphia created a rainbow ribbon response to the national tragedy in Orlando last summer, resulting in the growth of registered group participants from 150 to over 400 employees;
• Implementation of new, inclusive bathroom signs in new Hospital construction, with plans in place to replace existing signs;
• Assuring inclusion of LGBTQ patients and families as ACT 1557 health care recommendations are developed for the Hospital;
• Development of a new policy and procedure plan for Caring for Transgender Patients at CHOP.

"The 2017 HEI reminds us again that though we have made tremendous gains over the past decade, there is still much more work left for us to do. With some of our biggest battles still ahead of us, it is crucial that institutions continue to demonstrate that the march toward full equality is not slowing down," said HRC President Chad Griffin. "The 590 participants in this year's HEI continue this march in partnership with the LGBTQ community."

In CHOP's efforts to support all patients and families, including those in its LGBTQ communities, the Hospital offers the following care practices:

CHOP Primary and Specialty Care Practices throughout the region:
www.chop.edu/locations 
1-800-TRY-CHOP

Gender & Sexuality Development Clinic, serving Transgender and Gender Non-Binary children and youth:
http://www.chop.edu/centers-programs/gender-and-sexuality-development-clinic
215-590-3537, option 2

Center for Young Men's Health, serving physical and sexual health care of young men, including gay, bisexual and transgender young men:
http://www.chop.edu/centers-programs/adolescent-medicine
215-590-3537, option 1

The Adolescent Initiative, providing prevention services and care for adolescents living with or at risk of contracting HIV:
http://www.chop.edu/centers-programs/adolescent-initiative 
215-590-3626

For more information about the Healthcare Equality Index, please visit http://www.hrc.org/hei.

About Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia was founded in 1855 as the nation's first pediatric hospital. Through its long-standing commitment to providing exceptional patient care, training new generations of pediatric healthcare professionals and pioneering major research initiatives, Children's Hospital has fostered many discoveries that have benefited children worldwide. Its pediatric research program is among the largest in the country. In addition, its unique family-centered care and public service programs have brought the 546-bed hospital recognition as a leading advocate for children and adolescents. For more information, visit http://www.chop.edu.

Contact: Emily DiTomo
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
267-426-6063
[email protected]

SOURCE Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

Related Links

http://www.chop.edu