Human Rights Campaign Recognizes Froedtert & MCW hospitals as National 2016 Leaders in LGBT Healthcare Equality
All three Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin health network hospitals have been named “2016 Leaders in LGBT Healthcare Equality” by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, the educational arm of the country’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization. Of just 10 health care facilities in Wisconsin to be recognized, three are Froedtert & MCW hospitals.
Wauwatosa-based Froedtert Hospital, Menomonee Falls-based Community Memorial Hospital and West Bend-based St. Joseph’s Hospital earned top marks for meeting non-discrimination and training criteria measured by the HRC Foundation’s Equality Index, and for an assessment of 30 best practices in caring for LGBT patients and their families. The HRC Foundation’s Healthcare Equality Index is a survey that recognizes health care organizations doing the best work in enabling and providing equal care for LGBT Americans. The Froedtert & MCW health network was the first health care system in southeastern Wisconsin to earn this national designation in 2014.
“Members of the LGBT community, like all individuals, deserve high quality, equitable and inclusive care delivered with dignity and respect,” said Andres Gonzalez, vice president and chief diversity officer for the Froedtert & MCW health network. “This recognition is an important reflection of our commitment to equality and inclusiveness for all, from patients and visitors to our 10,000-plus staff members.”
The three Froedtert & MCW network hospitals are among a group of 496 health care facilities nationwide to be named 2016 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.
“Despite all the progress we’ve made, far too many LGBT people still lack inclusive and affirming healthcare. Leaders in LGBT Healthcare 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 the Froedtert & MCW health network hospitals for their tireless work to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all patients.”
The Froedtert & MCW health network’s Diversity and Inclusion Program supports a commitment to value and celebrate the wealth of diversity reflected in patients, their families, staff and communities.
About the Froedtert & MCW Health Network
The Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin regional health care network is made up of Froedtert Hospital, Milwaukee; Community Memorial Hospital, Menomonee Falls; St. Joseph’s Hospital, West Bend; and more than 25 primary and specialty care health centers and clinics. Joining the capabilities of an academic medical center affiliated with the Medical College of Wisconsin, the Froedtert & the Medical College health network delivers highly coordinated, cost-effective health care to residents of southeastern Wisconsin and beyond. The network’s three hospitals have 781 staffed beds, nearly 40,000 annual admissions and more than 900,000 annual outpatient visits. For more information, visit froedtert.com.
