Broward Health Imperial Point (BHIP) has been recognized as a “top performer” in the annual LGBTQ Healthcare Equality Index by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the education arm of America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people. BHIP joins 626 other healthcare organizations nationwide that have been recognized for LGBTQ inclusion.
The findings were part of HRC Foundation’s 11th edition of the Healthcare Equality Index, which scores healthcare organizations on policies and practices dedicated to the equitable treatment of LGBTQ patients, visitors and employees. Organizations were assessed on four criteria: LGBTQ patient-centered care, LGBTQ patient services and support, employee benefits and policies, and LGBTQ patient and community engagement.
“At Broward Health, we are committed to providing quality care to every patient in an inclusive, compassionate environment,” said Broward Health President/CEO Beverly Capasso. “This designation underscores our dedication to improving the health of all members of our diverse South Florida community and our commitment to eliminating discrimination and disparities in healthcare for LGBTQ patients.”
The index helps patients find LGBTQ-friendly healthcare facilities that provide equitable and inclusive care. The ratings for each participating facility are published in the annual report, available on HRC’s website and promoted to the organization’s more than 3 million supporters. Consumers can search HRC’s online database and interactive map to see how facilities near them rate — giving patients the ability to choose where they would like to receive care in their time of need.
Broward Health Imperial Point’s commitment to the LGBTQ community is evident in the hospital’s policies and practices that support diversity and inclusion, including staff training and community outreach. BHIP’s received LGBTQ business-friendly certification with SunServe, a local nonprofit social services agency. The hospital partnered with SunServe to train the management team and more than 200 front-line staff on culturally-competent care specific to the LGBTQ community. Education and training consisted of lectures, interactive workshops, examining real case studies, written examinations and more to focus on putting the principals for inclusive care into practice. The hospital also has a robust year-round community outreach program that includes sponsoring the Pride Center at Equality Park’s annual Senior Health Expo in October, the Rainbow 5K race in February and the Stonewall Parade and Festival in June.
About Broward Health
Broward Health, providing service for more than 80 years, is a nationally recognized system in South Florida that offers world-class healthcare to all. The Broward Health system includes the statutory teaching hospital Broward Health Medical Center, Broward Health North, Broward Health Imperial Point, Broward Health Coral Springs, Salah Foundation Children’s Hospital, Broward Health Weston, Broward Health Community Health Services, Broward Health Physician Group, Broward Health Urgent Care, Broward Health International, and Broward Health Foundation. For more information, visit BrowardHealth.org.
