Cedars-Sinai Earns LGBTQ Health Care Equality Leader Designation
Cedars-Sinai Scores 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's 2020 Health Care Equality Index
For the second consecutive year, Cedars-Sinai achieved a score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's 2020 Health Care Equality Index. The top score means Cedars-Sinai has earned the designation as a Leader in LGBTQ Health Care Equality. The announcement was made Aug. 31.
The Health Care Equality Index is an annual survey that evaluates medical centers' policies and practices on the equitable and inclusive care of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer patients and their families. This year, 765 health institutions participated in the survey, the group's 13th annual review. Of those included in the index, 495 earned an LGBTQ Health Care Equality Leader designation.
“Cedars-Sinai is proud to be recognized for its ongoing efforts and to be named a Health Care Equality Leader. This recognition validates our commitment to inclusive care that is sensitive, welcoming and free from discrimination, regardless of one’s LGBTQ status,” said Nicole Mitchell, director of Diversity and Inclusion at Cedars-Sinai. “As we continue on our journey toward a more inclusive environment, we know that means ensuring that our patients, employees and community feel welcome no matter their background.”
This year marked the third time that participating medical centers earned scores based on the number of LGBTQ-inclusive policies and practices they have in place. Criteria include “nondiscrimination and staff training,” “patient services and support,” “employee benefits and policies,” and “patient and community engagement.” Additionally, participants had to demonstrate that they offered transgender-inclusive healthcare benefits to their employees to earn the Human Rights Campaign’s "Leader in LGBTQ Health Care Equality" designation.
Cedars-Sinai established the Transgender Surgery and Health Program in 2017. The medical center currently offers both male-to-female and female-to-male gender-affirming genital surgeries, as well as several other surgical options to best meet patient needs. Patients from the U.S., Canada, Asia and Mexico already have sought services through the program. Cedars-Sinai staff have been offered transgender sensitivity and awareness education sessions, which cover gender terminology and the four stages of transitioning, among other topics. Additional interactive educational lectures for faculty, students and staff are underway.
“Diversity, equity and inclusion are part of the core values at Cedars-Sinai and we continue to remain focused on them as we craft strong diversity and inclusion strategies and actions,” Mitchell said. “When they are integrated into our organizational goals, processes and discussions, we see true impact: greater retention and higher levels of employee engagement, stronger morale, broader attraction of top talent, better community connection, stronger financial performance and more innovation.”
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