Human Rights Campaign recognizes two Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin hospitals as national “Leaders in LGBT Healthcare Equality”
For Immediate Release
Contact: Beth Strohbusch, beth.strohbusch@froedtert.com, (414) 805-3057
Human Rights Campaign Recognizes Two Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin Hospitals as National “Leaders in LGBT Healthcare Equality”
Milwaukee, WI – November 11, 2014 –Wauwatosa-based Froedtert Hospital and Menomonee Falls-based Community Memorial Hospital, two members of the Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin health network, were recognized as “Leaders in LGBT Healthcare Equality” by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the country’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization.
Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin is the first health care system in southeastern Wisconsin to earn this national designation. The recognition reflects findings of the HRC Foundation’s Healthcare Equality Index 2014, a survey that recognizes health care organizations doing the best work in enabling and providing equal care for LGBT Americans.
“Members of the LGBT community, like all individuals, deserve high quality, equitable and inclusive care. This HRC Foundation recognition is an important reflection of our commitment to diversity and inclusion,” said Joseph Hill, Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin vice president and chief diversity officer. “Froedtert & the Medical College makes it a priority to treat everyone with dignity and respect.”
Froedtert & the Medical College earned top marks for meeting non-discrimination and training criteria measured by the Equality Index, and for an assessment of 30 best practices in caring for LGBT patients and their families.
Hill added that Froedtert & the Medical College has been ahead of the curve in addressing the needs of our LGBT community, including both patients and staff. “We thank the Human Rights Campaign for this honor and will continue to improve upon our culture of providing exceptional, accessible and inclusive health care to anyone who steps through our doors,” he said.
Froedtert Hospital was among a group of426healthcare facilities nationwide to be named Leaders in LGBT Healthcare Equality. The facilities meet key criteria, including patient and employee non-discrimination 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 staff members.
“Leaders in LGBT Healthcare Equality change the lives of patients and their families for the better each and every day,” said Chad Griffin, HRC president. “LGBT people should be treated equally in all aspects of our lives, and HRC celebrates Froedtert & the Medical College for their tireless work to create an inclusive and welcoming environment.”
Hill stated that his team works across all Froedtert & the Medical College health network entities, but geography and hospital size criteria precluded the organization’s clinics and Froedtert & the Medical College St. Joseph’s Hospital in West Bend and from being in this year’s results.
Information about Froedtert & the Medical College’s Diversity and Inclusion Program is at http://www.froedtert.com/
