Sinai Hospital of Baltimore & Northwest Hospital Earn "LGBTQ Health Care Equality Top Performer" Designation in Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Annual Healthcare Equality Index
Baltimore MD -- Sinai Hospital of Baltimore and Northwest Hospital in Randallstown, MD, have each earned the 2020 LGBTQ Healthcare Equality Leader designation from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC). 
This designation signifies that both hospitals are leaders in the equal treatment of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) patients and employees. The HRC is the educational arm of the largest LGBTQ civil rights organization in the United States.
"At LifeBridge Health, our purpose statement is "˜Caring for Our Communities Together' and that means providing excellent medical treatment and emotional support to our patients and their families no matter their sexual orientation, race, ethnic background or age," says Neil Meltzer, president and CEO of LifeBridge Health. "We are incredibly proud of this recognition from the HRC Foundation, which inspires us to continue and expand our work in this important area."
Over the years, LifeBridge Health has been a leader among both health systems and other larger employers throughout the mid-Atlantic region to make LGBTQ rights a significant priority that drives meaningful programming and action related to health care delivery and employment. In addition to adopting strict non-discrimination policies and resources for LGBTQ patients and team members, LifeBridge Health has a dedicated LGBTQ patient liaison who advocates for more affirming and aware patient care, increases visibility and awareness of relevant LGBTQ considerations and helps create support for necessary policies for staff and patients. LifeBridge Health also supports the local LGBTQ community through partnerships, sponsorships and event participation.
HEI participants are scored using four criteria: Foundational Elements of LGBTQ Patient-centered Care, LGBTQ Patient Services and Support, Employee Benefits and Policies and LGBTQ Patient and Community Engagement.
In the 2020 report, 193 facilities earned the "Top Performer" designation for scoring from 80 to 95 points. With 90% of participating facilities scoring 80 points or more, health care facilities are demonstrating concretely that they are going beyond the basics when it comes to adopting policies and practices in LGBTQ care.
The designation was awarded in the 13th edition of HRC's Healthcare Equality Index (HEI).
"The health care facilities participating in the HRC Foundation's Healthcare Equality Index (HEI) are not only on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic, they are also making it clear from their participation in the HEI that they stand on the side of fairness and are committed to providing inclusive care to their LGBTQ patients," says Alphonso David, president of HRC. "In addition, many have made strong statements on racial justice and equity and are engaging in efforts to address racial inequities in their institutions and their communities. We commend all of the HEI participants for their commitment to providing inclusive care for all."
About LifeBridge Health:
LifeBridge Health is one of the largest, most comprehensive providers of health services in Maryland. LifeBridge Health includes Sinai Hospital of Baltimore, N