Lehigh Valley Health Network hospitals earn recognition for LGBTQ care

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 Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) hospitals received national recognition for demonstrating a commitment to advancing health equity in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning (LGBTQ) community. 

The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) designated Lehigh Valley Hospital (LVH)–Cedar Crest, which includes LVH–17th Street and LVHN–Tilghman, LVH–Muhlenberg and LVH–Pocono as Leaders in its LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Index (HEI). 

“This designation highlights LVHN’s dedication to creating an inclusive environment for our patients and colleagues,” said Judith Sabino, chief diversity, equity and inclusion liaison, LVHN. “We are proud to be recognized as national leaders who show our commitment to the LGBTQ community by providing equitable, high-quality health care and a workplace where everyone feels respected.” 

HEI is a national benchmarking tool that evaluates health care facilities’ commitment to inclusion and equity of their LGBTQ patients, visitors and employees. This is the third time LVHN submitted evidence to be considered for this HEI designation.  

HEI evaluates and scores health care facilities on detailed criteria falling under four central pillars: 

• Foundational Policies and Training in LGBTQ Patient-Centered Care
• LGBTQ Patient Services and Support
• Employee Benefits and Policies
• Patient and Community Engagement

“Lehigh Valley Health Network shows continuous commitment to LGBTQ+ community members in our area,” said Kimberly Levitt, health programs manager, Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center.  

“Through our partnership, we have the ability to implement public health initiatives throughout the year,” she said. “LVHN is truly a fundamental health leader, and Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center is proud to see this recognition from the Human Rights Campaign.” 

In the 2022 report, 496 facilities earned HRC’s LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Index Leader designation. These facilities received the maximum score in each section, with an overall score of 100. 

Another 251 facilities earned the “Top Performer” designation with scores between 80 and 95 points and at least partial credit in each section. 

With 82% 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, HEI said.