Equitas Health Named Leader in LGBTQ Healthcare Equality for Second Year in a Row by Human Rights Campaign Foundation

COLUMBUS, Ohio, March 29, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Equitas Health has been recognized as a "Leader in LGBT Healthcare 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 for the second year in a row. The designation was reported in the 10th edition of the Healthcare Equality Index (HEI), reflecting on a decade of progress in LGBTQ healthcare.

Equitas Health is one of a select group of 302 healthcare facilities nationwide to be named Leaders in LGBT Healthcare Equality.  For the first time ever, HEI participants are given scores in four criteria that represent how many policies and best practices from each section they have implemented: foundational elements of LGBTQ patient-centered care, LGBTQ Patient Services and Support, Employee Benefits and Policies, and LGBTQ Patient and Community Engagement. Participants that receive the maximum score in each section for a total score of 100 points earn the coveted status of "2017 Leader in LGBTQ Healthcare Equality."

"With the recent expansion of our mission to include specialized LGBTQ medical care, this recognition means even more to us this year. Our commitment to addressing LGBTQ health equity goes beyond our clinical settings; through our newly established Equitas Health Institute we are able to deliver LGBTQ cultural competency education and training opportunities to medical providers and other organizations throughout the Midwest. We are grateful to community partners like the Human Rights Campaign who recognize our efforts to offer a welcoming, inclusive healthcare home for all," states Peggy Anderson, Chief Operating Officer, Equitas Health.

"The 2017 HEI reminds us again that though we have made tremendous gains over the past decade, there is still much more work left for us to do. With some of our biggest battles still ahead of us, it is crucial that institutions continue to demonstrate that the march toward full equality is not slowing down," said HRC President Chad Griffin.

For more information about the Healthcare Equality Index 2017, or to download a free copy of the report, visit www.hrc.org/hei.

ABOUT EQUITAS HEALTH
Equitas Health (formerly AIDS Resource Center Ohio) is a regional not-for-profit community-based healthcare system founded in 1984. Its expanded mission has made it one of the nation's largest HIV/AIDS, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questions (LGBTQ) healthcare organizations. www.equitashealth.com 

CONTACT:
Alyssa Chenault, 614-526-4161

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/equitas-health-named-leader-in-lgbtq-healthcare-equality-for-second-year-in-a-row-by-human-rights-campaign-foundation-300431385.html

SOURCE Equitas Health