UAB Hospital accepts Leader in Healthcare Equality award.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital has been recognized as a leader in LGBT health care equality by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, the educational arm of the country’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender 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.
UAB Hospital earned top marks in meeting nondiscrimination 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.
“UAB Hospital is dedicated to patient/family-centered care as a hallmark of our hospital,” said Jordan DeMoss, UAB Hospital senior associate vice president. “We know that a partnership with our patients and families is critical to providing the highest quality of care, and this recognition from HRC is an important step in that journey. This effort will help us provide an even greater level of individualized care and is important to our mission of providing equitable and inclusive health care to all of our patients and families.”
UAB Hospital is one of a select group of 496 health care facilities nationwide, and six in Alabama, to be named as leaders in LGBT health care equality. Facilities awarded this title meet key criteria, including patient and employee nondiscrimination 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 health care. Leaders in LGBT health care 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 UAB Hospital for its 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 regulatory requirements and access to high-quality staff training.