CHOP recognized as LGBT Healthcare Equality Leader for second year in a row

For the second year in a row, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) has been recognized as an LGBT Healthcare Equality Leader by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the country's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization.

The Healthcare Equality Leaders were selected based on an annual survey, the Healthcare Equality Index, which identifies healthcare institutions that are leading the way in providing equal care for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender patients.

CHOP earned top marks in four leadership areas: Patient Non-Discrimination; Equality of Family Visitation; Employment Non-Discrimination; and Training in LGBT Patient-Centered Care.

"This tremendous honor reflects The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia's ongoing commitment to providing culturally competent healthcare to our LGBT patients and families," said Madeline Bell, president and CEO of The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. "While we have made significant strides in implementing policies that safeguard the rights of our LGBT patients, families and employees, this recognition reaffirms our commitment to the continued development of programming and resources unique to our LGBT communities."

In October 2015, CHOP hosted Philadelphia Family Pride's 6^th annual Family Matters Conference for LGBT-parented families. A day-long event of education, networking, parenting resources and programming, the conference's theme of "Mind, Body and Soul" covered a wide variety of topics, including workshops on how to provide the best medical providers for your family; gender roles and parenting; and fertility and adoption options for LGBT families. Keynote speaker was Dr. Rachel Levine, Pennsylvania's Physician General and highest ranking out transgender woman in Pennsylvania's state government.

In an effort to create a more ideal LGBT patient, family and employee experience at CHOP, the hospital also developed a comprehensive plan to fully engage and educate employees. This included input from key leaders and contributors in Patient and Family Services, the Gender and Sexuality Development Clinic, the Pride@CHOP employee resource group and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. The plan offered numerous training opportunities, such as SafeZone@CHOP Training, an institutional initiative on issues related to LGBT employees, patients and families, as well as tailored training endorsed by the HRC called Creating the Ideal LGBT Patient Experience at CHOP. Within the past year, more than 600 CHOP employees have participated in the various training offerings, completing more than 750 hours of training.

"We commend the leadership of each and every healthcare facility that is taking action to enhance the care they provide to LGBT patients and their families," said HRC President Chad Griffin. "HRC applauds The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia for creating an inclusive environment for all of its patients."