MUNCIE – Indiana University Health Ball Memorial Hospital has been recognized as one of four hospitals in the State of Indiana as a “Leader 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.
The findings were part of HRC Foundation’s Healthcare Equality Index 2016, a unique annual survey that encourages equal care for LGBT Americans by evaluating inclusive policies and practices related to LGBT patients, visitors and employees.
IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital earned top marks in meeting non-discrimination and training criteria that demonstrate its commitment to equitable, inclusive care for LGBT patients, and their families, who can face significant challenges in securing the quality health care and respect they deserve.
“This recognition is important to us as a health care organization where equality is an essential element of our Patients First culture,” states Vice President of Human Resources for Indiana University Health’s East Central Region Ann McGuire. “We are proud of that culture, knowing that it translates to assurance in the provision of care for our patients and their families.”
IU Health BMH, earns its fifth consecutive year of Leader status, and is one of a select group of 496 healthcare facilities nationwide to be named Leaders in LGBT Healthcare Equality. Four states still have no Equality Leaders. Facilities awarded this title 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 key staff members.
The core four Leader criteria are:
- Patient Non-Discrimination
- Equal Visitation
- Employment Non-Discrimination
- Training in LGBT Patient-Centered Care
“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 IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital for its work to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all patients.”
For more information about the Healthcare Equality Index 2016, or to download a free copy of the report, visit www.hrc.org/hei.
The Healthcare Equality Index offers healthcare facilities unique and powerful resources designed to help provide equal care to a long-overlooked group of patients, as well as assistance in complying with regulatory requirements and access to high-quality staff training.
About Indiana University Health Ball Memorial Hospital
IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital serves as a tertiary referral center and teaching hospital for East Central Indiana and part of Indiana University Health. IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital is accredited by the Joint Commission and maintains 1.2 million square feet of facilities. More than 17,500 patients are admitted every year and more than 310,000 outpatient procedures are completed annually. Michael Haley is President and CEO. Learn more at iuhealth.org/ball-memorial.
