Methodist Hospital Metropolitan is honored to announce they have been named a "Leader in LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality" by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation for a seventh consecutive year.
The HRC Foundation is an educational arm of the country's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization that encourages equal care for LGBTQ+ Americans. The HRC evaluates the inclusive policies and practices related to LGBTQ+ patients, visitors, and employees through their yearly survey, the Healthcare Equality Index (HEI). According to the HRC Foundation, this survey evaluates healthcare facilities' policies and practices related to the equity and inclusion of LGBTQ+ patients, visitors, and employees. The hospital earned this designation for a seventh year after participating in the HEI survey.
In honor of this recognition, Methodist Hospital Metropolitan was proud to host the third annual flag-raising ceremony as a symbol of its support for the LGBTQ+ community. The flag will be hoisted for the entire month of June in celebration of Pride Month.
Methodist Hospital Metropolitan proves its commitment to providing high-quality health care for LGBTQ+ patients and family members. When it comes to quality healthcare and feeling respected and accepted when receiving care, the LGBTQ+ community still faces many challenges, despite significant strides in the industry. Methodist Hospital Metropolitan is dedicated to ensuring staff are trained, educated, and confident in caring for the LGBTQ+ community with compassion and empathy.
“Methodist Hospital Metropolitan is so proud to be recognized as a leader in LGBTQ+ healthcare equality. We strive to provide the best health care to each person who comes to our facility," said Greg Seiler, Methodist Hospital Metropolitan CEO. “We have a commitment to our community to ensure anyone who enters our doors feels respected and safe, no matter their representation or identity.”
Methodist Hospital Metropolitan is proud to be one of 496 healthcare facilities to be named a Leader in LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality. The hospital is the only facility in San Antonio to hold this title, with a total of only four in the state of Texas. To receive this title, healthcare facilities must prove they meet essential criteria, such as upholding patient and employee non-discrimination policies. These policies must specifically mention sexual orientation and gender identity, guarantee equal visitation for same-sex partners and parents, and LGBTQ+ health education staff.
Methodist Hospital Metropolitan also supports the LGBTQ+ community by partnering with Pride Center San Antonio to support their events and projects. This includes leasing them a space in the hospital's medical professional building for a small cost.
For more information about the Healthcare Equality Index or to download a free copy of the report, visit their website. You can learn more about the hospital's support for the LGBTQ+ community by visiting the SA Health PRIDE website.