All six Johns Hopkins Medicine member hospitals have been designated as Leaders in LGBT Healthcare Equality by the foundation of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the largest LGBT civil rights organization in the United States. The recently released designations are part of the latest edition of the HRC Foundation’s Healthcare Equality Index, a national survey conducted annually that promotes equitable and inclusive care for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) patients and families.

The designation is based on health care facilities’ patient nondiscrimination policies, equal visitation policies, employment nondiscrimination policies and training for employees in LGBT patient-centered care. 

“At Johns Hopkins Medicine, we are committed to providing a welcoming and affirming health care experience to everyone, including our LGBT patients and families,” says Paul B. Rothman, M.D., dean of the medical faculty and CEO of Johns Hopkins Medicine. “We are honored by this recognition as leaders in LGBT health care equality, and we will continue to work hard to ensure our LGBT patients and their families are treated with the same compassion and understanding we try to provide to everyone who trusts us with their medical care.”

Johns Hopkins Medicine faculty, providers and staff are engaged in multiple efforts to enhance inclusivity and disseminate knowledge on how best to care for LGBT patients and families.

“We recognize the importance of a leader in health care also being a leader in health care equality,” says James Page Jr., M.B.A., vice president of diversity and inclusion and chief diversity officer for Johns Hopkins Medicine. “We are dedicated to making Johns Hopkins Medicine a fully inclusive place to work and seek care, and we are pleased to see our efforts being recognized.”

The hospitals recognized by the HRC Foundation for leadership in LGBT health care equality are:

• The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore
• All Children’s Hospital, St. Petersburg, Florida
• Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, Baltimore
• Howard County General Hospital, Columbia, Maryland
• Sibley Memorial Hospital, Washington, D.C.
• Suburban Hospital, Bethesda, Maryland

For more information on Johns Hopkins’ efforts and progress to improve the health care experience for LGBT patients, visit Johns Hopkins Medicine’s Diversity Annual Report.