The only exclusively pediatric system in the state to be recognized for demonstrating equitable treatment and inclusion of LGBTQ patients, visitors and employees
MINNEAPOLIS (September 2, 2020) – Children’s Minnesota announced today it has been recognized as a LGBTQ Health Care Equality Top Performer by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, the educational arm of the country’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer civil rights organization. Children’s Minnesota is the only exclusively pediatric health care system in the state to receive the designation. This designation builds on the organization’s dedication to serving as an essential partner and resource for LGBTQ youth and families along their journey, and our commitment to being an equitable and inclusive employer.
Learn about the Children’s Minnesota Gender Health program
“We are honored to be recognized by the Human Rights Campaign for our ongoing commitment to equity and inclusion,” said Dr. Angela Kade Goepferd, chief education officer and medical director of the Gender Health program at Children’s Minnesota. “From our exam rooms to our waiting rooms to our break rooms, we want to create an environment where everyone feels valued, respected and supported.”
Children’s Minnesota received a score of 90 out of 100 points on the HRC’s Healthcare Equality Index 2020 survey to earn the designation of LGBTQ Health Care Equality Top Performer. Programs, policies and benefits at Children’s Minnesota that fulfilled the criteria included:
- The Gender Health program, which offers comprehensive and compassionate care for youth who identify as transgender or gender-diverse.
- LGBTQ-inclusive patient and employee non-discrimination policies.
- Health insurance that covers medical treatments for transgender employees.
- LGBTQ representation on the Board of Directors and other high-ranking positions.
Of the record 765 health care facilities that actively participated in the HEI 2020 survey, less than 200 earned an LGBTQ Health Care Equality Top Performer designation.
“At Children’s Minnesota, we are committed to creating an environment where all patients and employees feel supported in being their most authentic selves,” said Dr. Marc Gorelick, president and CEO at Children’s Minnesota. “We will continue to join together to foster a welcoming and inclusive place for all.”
About Children’s Minnesota
Children’s Minnesota is the seventh largest pediatric health system in the United States and the only health system in Minnesota to provide care exclusively to children, from before birth through young adulthood. An independent and not-for-profit system since 1924, Children’s Minnesota serves kids throughout the Upper Midwest at two free-standing hospitals, 12 primary and specialty care clinics and six rehabilitation sites. Children’s Minnesota is regularly ranked by U.S. News & World Report as a top children’s hospital.
Find us on Facebook @childrensminnesota or on Twitter and Instagram @childrensmn. Please visit childrensMN.org.
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