Port Huron, MI – McLaren Port Huron was awarded recognition as an LGBTQ Healthcare Equality Top Performer, a national LGBTQ benchmarking tool that evaluates health care facilities' policies and practices related to the equity and inclusion of LGBTQ patients, visitors and employees. This distinction is based on LGBTQ patient-centered care in four key areas: Non-discrimination and staff training; patient services and support; employee benefits and policies; and patient and community engagement.
“We strongly believe that sexual orientation or gender identity should never be a barrier to receiving excellent health care,” said Eric Cecava, president and CEO. “The Healthcare Equality Index recognition is a testament to the foundational policies we have in place to create an inclusive environment at McLaren Port Huron.”
The Human Rights Campaign Foundation developed the Healthcare Equality Index (HEI) to meet the need for an equitable, knowledgeable, sensitive and welcoming health care environment for all lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer Americans. By participating in the biennial survey, health care facilities are provided with information and resources to ensure that members of the LGBTQ community have access to truly patient-centered care. In 2020, 765 health care facilities actively participated in the HEI survey; nearly 900 participated this year.
“With the McLaren Foundation’s Ally Project and this recognition, we will continue our journey to creating an inclusive environment for our community,” said Cecava. “Over the next year, we will focus on staff education and implementing inclusive practices for our LGBTQ patients, visitors and employees.”
To learn more about services at McLaren Port Huron, visit www.mclaren.org/porthuron.