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

April 3, 2018

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 Foundation, the education arm of America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people.

The designation was reported in the 11th edition of 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.

Children’s Hospital and WPIC were among a select group of 418 health care facilities nationwide to be named leaders in LGBTQ health care equality. Facilities awarded this title meet criteria in four key areas: LGBTQ Patient-Centered Care; LGBTQ Patient Services and Support; Employee Benefits and Policies; and LGBTQ Patient and Community Engagement.

This is WPIC’s fourth year for recognition and Children’s third.

“We are so pleased to be recognized again this year,” said Elizabeth Miller, M.D., chief, Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine at Children’s. “We are firmly committed at Children’s to working together to ensure that all individuals and families feel welcome wherever they seek our services. We also know we have more work to do.”

“We are proud to earn recognition as an HEI Leader for the fourth consecutive year,” said Carol VanZile, L.C.S.W., 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.”

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

Contact: Andrea Kunicky
Office: 412-692-6254
Mobile: 412-439-5264
E-mail: Andrea.Kunicky@chp.edu

Contact: Gloria Kreps
Office: 412-586-9764
Mobile: 412-417-2582
E-mail: KrepsGA@upmc.edu