St. Cloud VA Health Care System
St. Cloud VA recognized in Healthcare Equality Index
April 23, 2018
The St. Cloud VA Health Care System has once again been recognized as a “Leader in LGBTQ Healthcare Equality” in the Healthcare Equality Index 2018, an annual survey conducted by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the country’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) organization.
St. Cloud VA earned top marks for its commitment to equitable, inclusive care for LGBTQ patients and their families, who can face significant challenges in securing adequate health care.
St. Cloud VA was one of a select group of health care facilities nationwide to be named Leaders in LGBTQ Healthcare Equality. Facilities awarded this title meet key criteria for equitable care, including non-discrimination policies for LGBTQ patients and employees, a guarantee of equal visitation for same-sex partners and parents, and LGBTQ health education for key staff members.
“We work hard to treat each and every Veteran with the respect their service deserves and to provide them with high-quality health care in a timely manner and to deliver it with a positive experience,” said Stephen D. Black, St. Cloud VA Director. “We’re proud that our medical center has achieved leader status, and the credit goes to our tremendous team of employees who create a welcoming environment for all patients.”
The Healthcare Equality Index offers health care facilities unique and powerful resources designed to help provide equal care to a long-overlooked group of patients, as well as assistance in complying with new regulatory requirements and access to high-quality staff training.
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