Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic Again Designated a Leader in LGBTQ Healthcare Equality”
For the fourth year, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic (WPIC) has been recognized as a “Leader in LGBTQ Healthcare Equality” by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. This organization serves as the education arm of America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people. Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC also was named a Leader in LGBTQ Healthcare Equality for the third year. The two hospitals are among a select group of 418 health care facilities nationwide given this designation, which is reported in the Healthcare Equality Index (HEI), an annual survey that scores health care facilities on policies and practices dedicated to the equitable treatment and inclusion of their LGBTQ patients, visitors, and employees. Facilities awarded this title meet criteria in four key areas for LGBTQ people: patient-centered care, patient services and support, employee benefits and policies, and patient and community engagement.
“We are proud to earn recognition as an HEI Leader for the fourth consecutive year,” said Carol VanZile, LCSW, director, BH Regulatory, Compliance & Accreditation, WPIC. “We embrace dignity and respect for all our patients, visitors, and staff. Affirming our commitment to reducing LGBTQ disparities in behavioral health care is another opportunity for us to create an environment that envelops the strengths that individuals bring to behavioral health care.”