Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center Named Leader in LGBT Health Care Equality

Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center has been recognized as a “Leader in LGBT Health care 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 Health care 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.

Advocate Illinois Masonic 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.

“Every individual deserves high quality care that will help them on their personal journey toward health,” says Susan Nordstrom Lopez, president of Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center. “We are honored to show our support for the LGBT community in the Pride Parade each year and maintain a continuous commitment to education and improvement to ensure we’re offering the best care for our community and a welcoming, inclusive environment for our patients, associates and physicians.”

Advocate Illinois Masonic is one of a select group of 496 health care centers nationwide to be named leaders in LGBT health care equality. Centers 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.

“Despite all the progress we’ve made, far too many LGBT people still lack inclusive and affirming health care. Leaders in LGBT health care equality are helping to change that and, in the process, are making the lives of LGBT patients and their families better each and every day,” says 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 Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center for its work to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all patients.”

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.

For more information about the Healthcare Equality Index 2016 or to download a free copy of the report, visit www.hrc.org/hei.