CHOP Named Leader in LGBTQ Healthcare Equality Five Years in a Row

For the fifth year in a row, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) has been recognized as an LGBTQ Healthcare Equality Leader by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the country’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization.

The designation was awarded in the 12th edition of the Healthcare Equality Index (HEI), released earlier this month.

A record 680 healthcare facilities actively participated in the HEI 2019 survey, with HRC Foundation proactively researching key policies at more than 1,000 additional non-participating hospitals. Of those included in the HEI, 406 earned an “LGBTQ Healthcare Equality Leader” designation.

“CHOP is committed to providing culturally competent healthcare to all of our patients and families, and I am incredibly proud that we have received this recognition for the fifth time,” said Madeline Bell, President and CEO of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. “Developing programs and policies that meet the specific needs of our LGBTQ patients, families and employees is a priority for us, and we will continue to do everything we can to ensure that they have an exceptional experience at CHOP.”

In a continued effort to create the best LGBTQ patient, family and employee experience, CHOP continued to implement a comprehensive plan to fully engage and educate employees.

Other notable activities and events over the last year include:

• Providing national leadership and recommendations on LGBTQ pediatric care policies and practice
• Training on LGBTQ-related topics for over 750 staff throughout the Main Campus and Specialty/Primary Care Network
• Participating in the Philadelphia Pride Parade and the Trans Health Conference to celebrate as well as recruit future employees
• Adding LGBTQ families and staff photos in hospital publications, materials and artwork

• Providing training to mental health providers throughout the state in supporting transgender and gender expansive clients, reaching over 1,500 therapists, made possible by a grant from the State of Pennsylvania

“The healthcare facilities that participate in HRC’s Healthcare Equality Index are making it clear that they stand on the side of fairness and are committed to providing inclusive care to their LGBTQ patients,” said HRC President Alphonso David. “Going beyond inclusive non-discrimination policies, these healthcare facilities are adopting best practices in the areas of LGBTQ patient care and support, employee policies and benefits, and LGBTQ patient and community engagement. We commend all of the HEI participants for their commitment to providing inclusive care for all.”

In our commitment to provide the best care for all children and their families including everyone in our LGBTQ communities, CHOP offers the following care practices:

• CHOP Primary and Specialty Care Practices throughout the region — 1-800-TRY-CHOP
• Gender & Sexuality Development Clinic, serving transgender and gender non-binary children and youth — 267-426-5980
• Center for Young Men’s Health, serving physical and sexual healthcare of young men, including gay, bisexual and transgender young men — 215-590-3537, option 1
• Adolescent Initiative, offering clinical care, research, training and prevention for adolescents at risk for or infected with HIV – 215-590-3626