Chase Brexton Health Care has once again been named a “Leader in LGBTQ Healthcare Equality” by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, the educational arm of the nation’s largest LGBTQ civil rights organization.
The designation was reported in the recently released 13th edition of the Healthcare Equality Index (HEI). Chase Brexton was one of only three Maryland healthcare providers, and 500 nationwide, to earn the honor.
To be named a Leader in LGBTQ Healthcare Equality, Chase Brexton achieved a perfect score of 100 points across strict criteria implemented by the Healthcare Equality Index. The categories measured included staff training and benefits, patient services and engagement, and responsible citizenship.
“In a year when the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted access to care for so many in our community, this designation means more than ever,” said Sam McClure, executive director of The LGBT Health Resource Center of Chase Brexton Health Care. “As we renew our focus on health equity, this status reaffirms Chase Brexton’s decades-long commitment to providing welcoming, affirming care."
A record 765 healthcare facilities participated in the HEI 2020 survey. In addition to active survey participants, the HRC Foundation proactively researched key policies at more than 1,000 non-participating hospitals.
“The healthcare facilities participating in the HRC Foundation’s Healthcare Equality Index (HEI) are not only on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic, they are also making it clear from their participation in the HEI that they stand on the side of fairness and are committed to providing inclusive care to their LGBTQ patients,” said HRC President Alphonso David. “In addition, many have made strong statements on racial justice and equity and are engaging in efforts to address racial inequities in their institutions and their communities. We commend all of the HEI participants for their commitment to providing inclusive care for all.”
In the 2020 report, a total of 495 facilities—65 percent of those actively participating in the survey—met the more challenging criteria to earn this designation.
Among providers who did not participate in the HEI but were scored based on research, only 67 percent have policies that include both “sexual orientation” and “gender identity,” and only 63 percent were found to have an LGBTQ-inclusive employment non-discrimination policy.
