WellSpan Health has received national recognition for its efforts to provide inclusive and equitable healthcare to the LGBTQIA+ community.
All of WellSpan’s hospitals have been awarded the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s (HRC) Healthcare Equality Index, a designation that places them among the top 100 hospitals in the country for their treatment of LGBTQIA+ patients.
Hospitals were recognized for their efforts to provide patient-centered care, support services for LGBTQIA+ patients, and engagement with the LGBTQIA+ community, among other criteria.
Kim Brister, vice president and chief diversity, equity, and inclusion officer, said WellSpan is dedicated to creating an environment where everyone can feel welcome and well cared for. “We are proud to be recognized for our efforts in extending this important effort across the health system as part of our mission to provide exceptional care for all,” Brister said.
WellSpan has a long history of providing affirming healthcare services to the LGBTQIA+ community. In recent years, its services have expanded to more than 35 providers across South Central Pennsylvania, offering gender-affirming care services, including case management, hormone prescribing, therapy, obstetric care, fertility, and surgeries.
“We are dedicated to delivering the safest, most affirming care as a trusted partner to the LGBTQIA+ community,” said Dr. D. Scott McCracken, clinical lead for WellSpan’s LGBTQIA+ Steering Committee. “By holding ourselves accountable to the HRC’s rigorous standards, we can ensure LGBTQIA+ affirming policies and practices are aligned across our caregiving team so that every patient feels welcome and well cared for at WellSpan.”
Source: wellspan.org