News

Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic of UPMC (WPIC), the Department of Psychiatry?s clinical partner, has been recognized as a ?Leader in LGBTQ Healthcare Equality? by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation for the third consecutive year. 

The HRC Foundation is the educational arm of the nation?s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization. The recognition is part of the HRC Foundation?s Healthcare Equality Index, a unique annual survey that encourages equal care for LGBTQ Americans by evaluating inclusive policies and practices related to LGBTQ patients, visitors and employees.

Facilities awarded this title meet key criteria, including: foundational elements of LGBTQ patient-centered care; LGBTQ patient services and support, employee benefits and policies, and; LGBTQ patient and community engagement.

"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. ?The 590 participants in this year?s HEI continue this march in partnership with the LGBTQ community. For the past decade, the HEI has been the roadmap to closing the gap in ensuring equal care to LGBTQ patients and their families, and we urge every healthcare facility to join us in this continuing effort to provide inclusive care to all.?

The Healthcare Equality Index offers health care facilities unique resources designed to help provide equal care to a long-overlooked group of patients, as well as assistance in complying with new regulatory requirements and access to high-quality staff training.

Visit the Human Rights Campaign website for more information or to download a free copy of the report.