Community Corner

Piedmont Hospital Named Leader in 'LGBT' Healthcare Equality

The country's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender organization gives Piedmont top marks in recent survey.

has been recognized as a “Leader in LGBT Healthcare Equality” in the Healthcare Equality Index 2012 report, an annual survey conducted by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the country’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) organization.

Piedmont Hospital earned top marks for its commitment to equitable, inclusive care for LGBT patients and their families, who can face challenges in accessing adequate healthcare. Only 71 organizations in the nation received a perfect score for answering “yes” to all ten survey questions, with Piedmont Hospital being one of them.

“At Piedmont, we believe in treating every individual with dignity and respect,” said Les Donahue, president and CEO of Piedmont Hospital. “It is our promise to maintain a warm, caring environment that values and respects all differences in terms of background, culture, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression.”

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Piedmont Hospital was one of a select group of 234 healthcare facilities nationwide to be named Leaders in Healthcare Equality. Facilities awarded this title meet several key indicators for equitable care, including nondiscrimination policies for LGBT patients and employees, a guarantee of equal visitation for same-sex partners and parents, and LGBT health education for key staff. 

“There is ‘policy’ and then there is ‘practice,’” said Piedmont Healthcare Staff Development Coordinator Andy Moré, who oversees Piedmont’s cultural competency and diversity programs. “Piedmont’s status as being one of two Atlanta hospitals to receive perfect scoring in the survey shows our commitment to practice. And those practices are inclusive for all.”

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In addition to a formal commitment to treating all patients with concern for personal dignity and human relationships, the Piedmont Hospital also is a major supporter of Gay Pride, The Health Initiative: Georgia’s Voice for LGBTQ Health, employs many LGBT employees and is a resource for support and guidance on LGBT issues, domestic-partnership practices and other diversity policies to several metro-area medical facilities.

“LGBT patients deeply appreciate the welcoming environment provided by a Leader in LGBT Healthcare Equality,” said Ellen Kahn, HRC family project director. “It makes a big difference to know that your local healthcare facility is fully committed to giving you the same care it gives your neighbors and co-workers.”

For more information about the Healthcare Equality Index 2012, or to download a free copy of the report, visit www.hrc.org/hei

What do you think of Piedmont Hospital's dedication to this issue? Let us know in the comments below!


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