Lake County Health Department honored for being LGBTQ leader

The Lake County Health Department recently received the "LGBTQ Health Care Equality Leader" designation from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation.

The designation was awarded in the 12th edition of HRC's Healthcare Equality Index.

"We are truly honored to be recognized as an 'LGBTQ Health Care Equality Leader'. Supporting the health and well-being of all in our community is of the utmost importance," said Executive Director, Mark Pfister.

"It remains a core part of our mission to maintain inclusive care for Lake County's LGBTQ community. Our health care facilities strive to provide quality service where anyone can seek health care without the fear of being discriminated against. We will proudly continue to provide support and care to members of the LGBTQ community."

"From the previously unimaginable impact of the COVID-19 pandemic to the horrific incidents of racial violence targeting the Black community, the events of the past year have brought about so much pain and uncertainty," said HRC President Alphonso David.

"Yet, even during this moment of profound unrest, we are seeing more of our humanity and resilience come to life. For me, nowhere is that more true than through the tireless dedication of our health care providers and the intrepid support and administrative staff members by their sides that show up every day to ensure this lifesaving work continues.

"The health care facilities participating in the HRC Foundation's Healthcare Equality Index are not only on the front lines 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," David said.

In the 2020 report, 495 facilities earned HRC's "LGBTQ Health Care Equality Leader" designation, receiving the maximum score in each section and earning an overall score of 100.

Another 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 that they are going beyond the basics when it comes to adopting policies and practices in LGBTQ care.

The remarkable progress reflected in the 2020 HEI includes:

• 92% of participants met the HEI's training requirements, completing more than 150,000 hours of staff training in LGBTQ patient-centered care.

• 99% of HEI participants documented that they include both "sexual orientation" and "gender identity" in their patient nondiscrimination policy.

• 99% of HEI participants documented that they include both "sexual orientation" and "gender identity" in their employment nondiscrimination policy.

• 53% of HEI participants indicated that their facility has a policy or policies that specifically outline procedures and practices aimed at eliminating bias and insensitivity, and ensuring appropriate, welcoming interactions with transgender patients.