Penn Medicine hospitals named 2020 LGBTQ Healthcare Equality Leaders

Penn Medicine’s six hospitals were named 2020 LGBTQ Healthcare Equality Leaders by the Human Rights Campaign, the United States’ largest LGBTQ civil rights organization.

Chester County Hospital, Lancaster General Health, the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, Pennsylvania Hospital, and Princeton Health were named Leaders in Healthcare Equality, Penn Medicine News reported.

Penn’s six hospitals were among 495 given the highest designation of Healthcare Equality Leaders, according to the Healthcare Equality Index.

The HRC evaluates healthcare facilities for its annual Healthcare Equality Index. This year, the index's 13th edition was released on September 1. The Healthcare Equality Index rated more than 1,700 facilities on their LGBTQ patient-centered care, patient services and support, employee benefits, and patient and community engagement. Healthcare centers had to show that they offered transgender-inclusive healthcare benefits to their employees to receive 100 points on the index, which would earn a facility the title of LGBTQ Health Care Equality Leader.

The HRC is the largest LGBTQ civil rights organization, with over 3 million members and supporters nationwide, Penn Medicine News reported.

Penn Medicine’s hospitals have been recognized in the past as leaders in LGBTQ-centered care by the HRC. In 2014, Penn Medicine’s four hospitals were named LGBTQ Healthcare Equality Leaders.

The HRC’s report also highlighted the Penn Medicine Program for LGBTQ Health as an initiative aimed at addressing needs that are especially important for LGBTQ patients. Instituted in 2013, the program focuses on LGBTQ Institutional Climate and Visibility, Health Education, Research, Patient Care, and Community Outreach.

Another hospital located near Penn's campus, the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, was awarded the same LGBTQ Healthcare Equality designation this year, as was Penn's Student Health Service.