Children’s Hospital and Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic Recognized Again by Human Rights Campaign

Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC and Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic of UPMC (WPIC) have been recognized again as “Leaders in LGBTQ Healthcare Equality” by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization.

The designation was reported in the 10th edition of the Healthcare Equality Index, an annual survey that evaluates health care facilities’ policies and practices related to the equity and inclusion of their LGBTQ patients, visitors and employees.

Children’s and WPIC were among a select group of 303 health care facilities nationwide to be named leaders in LGBTQ health care equality. Facilities awarded this title meet criteria in four key areas: Foundational elements of LGBTQ patient-centered care; LGBTQ patient services and support; employee benefits and policies; and LGBTQ patient and community engagement. This is WPIC’s third year for recognition and Children’s second.

“While we are thrilled to receive this recognition, we also acknowledge there is still much to do,” said Elizabeth Miller, M.D., chief, Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine at Children’s. “We continue to work with leadership and staff at Children’s to ensure that all individuals and families feel welcome when they enter our clinical spaces.”

“Reflecting the values of UPMC, WPIC is committed to providing the highest level of care with compassion and respect,” said Carol VanZile, L.C.S.W., director of regulatory compliance at WPIC. “We are focused on educating our team about the importance of diversity and inclusion, especially as it relates to behavioral health services.”

Created in 2007, the Healthcare Equality Index offers health care facilities resources designed to help provide equal care to a long-overlooked group of patients, while also complying with new regulatory requirements and receiving access to high-quality staff training.

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