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WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Novant Health is proud to announce that 14 of its acute care facilities have been recognized as “Leaders in LGBTQ Healthcare Equality” by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the country’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization. This the second year in a row that the Novant Health has received systemwide recognition. Novant Health Clemmons Medical Center made its first appearance this year in its first year as a full-service hospital following the facility’s 2017 expansion.
Novant Health is one of only eight health care systems nationwide that had 10 or more facilities receive the recognition this year. In North Carolina, Novant Health is the only health care system with designated facilities in Mecklenburg County and one of two health care systems with designated facilities in Forsyth County. Novant Health UVA Health System medical centers were two of the three facilities recognized in Virginia.
The medical centers designated as “Leaders in LGBTQ Healthcare Equality” are:
“Diversity and inclusion are part of our core values as a healthcare organization,” said Tanya Blackmon, executive vice president and chief diversity and inclusion officer at Novant Health. “At Novant Health, we recognize that each person brings a unique perspective and value to our organization, whether a patient, a family member or a team member. We are intentional in identifying ways to address the unique needs of our communities, including the LGBTQ community. We are continually enhancing patient-centered care across the organization for all people. From human resources to patient care to community partnerships, we value our leadership in diversity and inclusion.”
This 11th edition of the Healthcare Equality Index (HEI) marks the second year that participants were given a numerical score based on their LGBTQ-inclusive policies and practices. HEI participants were given scores in four criteria: foundational elements of LGBTQ patient-centered care, LGBTQ Patient Services and Support, Employee Benefits and Policies, and LGBTQ Patient and Community Engagement. This year‘s index evaluated more than 1,600 healthcare facilities nationwide.
For more information about the Healthcare Equality Index 2018, visit hrc.org/hei.