Columbus Public Health Recognized Again as a National Leader in LGBTQ Healthcare Equality
Press Release
March 29,
2017
Contacts:
Jose Rodriguez, Columbus Public Health, 614-604-5025, [email protected]
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Columbus Public Health Recognized Again as a National
Leader in LGBTQ Healthcare Equality
Designation Part of the Human Rights Campaign Healthcare
Equality Index 2017
For the third consecutive year, Columbus Public Health has
been nationally recognized as a Leader 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.
Columbus Public Health earned top marks for its policies and
practices in LGBTQ patient-centered care, patient services and support, and
patient and community engagement.
“I am proud that Columbus Public Health has received
national recognition for the great work it does every day to serve the health
care needs of the LGBTQ community in Columbus,” says Columbus Mayor Andrew
Ginther.
“This prestigious designation provides an excellent opportunity to
attract the most qualified and talented public health professionals to our
community where they can thrive and serve the diverse needs of all residents.”
“Fairness and equality are part of our core public health
values – and there are critical to our work serving the LGBTQ community which
often faces unique health challenges and obstacles to quality, patient-centered
care,” says Columbus Public Health Commissioner Dr. Teresa Long. “It is an
honor to be nationally recognized once again for our commitment to decreasing
health disparities and protecting the health of all residents in our
community.”
Columbus Public Health is a leader in the Greater Columbus
LGBTQ Health Coalition, provides
cultural competency training and
technical assistance for healthcare, community and social service
organizations to create safer and more inclusive healthcare and social service
experiences for LGBTQ clients and their families, and has several
programs that serve the diverse needs of the LGBTQ community, including an AOD
recovery group.
A record 590 healthcare facilities actively participated in
the HEI 2017 survey, and the HRC Foundation researched key policies at more
than 900 non-participating hospitals. Of all those included in the HEI, only
302 – including Columbus Public Health -- earned the Leader in LGBTQ
Healthcare Equality designation. The designation was reported in the 10th
edition of the Healthcare Equality Index (HEI)
which reflects on a decade of progress in LGBTQ healthcare.
To learn more about the
Healthcare Equality Index 2017
or to download a free copy of the report, visit
www.hrc.org/hei. For more information on LGBTQ programs and
services at Columbus Public Health, visit
publichealth.columbus.gov
or on Facebook/Twitter.
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