Methodist Hospital Metropolitan is proud to announce they have been named a "Leader in LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality" by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation.
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). The hospital earned this designation for a fifth year after participating in the HEI survey.
Methodist Hospital Metropolitan proves its commitment to providing high-quality health care for LGBTQ+ patients and family members. Each year, the hospital earns top scores in meeting non-discrimination policies and training. 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.
"It is an honor to be recognized as a leader in healthcare equality for the LGBTQ+ community once again. Providing the very best health care to everyone who comes to our facility is our top priority. We greatly support diversity, equity, and inclusion among our patients and staff," said Greg Seiler, Methodist Hospital Metropolitan CEO. "I remind our staff regularly of our mission statement, 'Serving humanity to honor God by providing exceptional and cost-effective health care accessible to all.' Being recognized with this honor every year, we are reminded that our dedication, commitment, and compassion for the LGBTQ+ community and everyone we care for does make an impact."
Across the United States, only 496 health care facilities have been named a Leader in LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality, and Methodist Hospital Metropolitan is proud to be one of them. In fact, 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. They even lease them a space in the hospital's medical professional building for a meager cost.
For more information about the Healthcare Equality Index or to download a free copy of the report, visit www.hrc.org/hei. You can learn more about the hospital's support for the LGBTQ+ community by visiting sahealth.com/pride.