Valley Medical Center is proud to announce that for the ninth consecutive year, we have been awarded the LBGTQ Healthcare Equality Leader designation from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. Every year, HRC recognizes the healthcare facilities that participate in the Healthcare Equality Index for their dedication and commitment to LGBTQ inclusion. HRC also extends its deepest gratitude to participating facilities for their courageous fight against COVID-19 and their commitment to addressing racism and injustice.
“Our hospital and clinic teams have really come together to promote wellness and services for the LGBTQ+ community,” says Dan Brelsford, MD, who co-chairs Valley’s LGBTQ+ Committee. “Everyone, from the front desk teams to the back office staff and providers, is enthusiastic and continues to offer assistance in promoting inclusive care—it’s been especially rewarding to see Valley’s commitment in action as we combat the current COVID-19 pandemic.”
A Valley leader for healthcare equality advancements for a decade and LGBTQ+ Committee co-chair and Manager Perioperative Services, Jeremy Wyatt says, “A big THANK YOU to Dr. Brelsford for leading the charge to ensure Valley is, yet again, a Leader in Healthcare Equity and were awarded the 2020 HEI award. Dr. Brelsford and his team spent countless hours pulling together the required items to make this possible. He is helping to advance Valley’s electronic health records to be more inclusive for all patients, specifically our LGBTQ+ patient population. I look forward to one day being able to offer much-needed gender affirmation care and surgical options to our patient population. I’m excited that urogynecology specialist Christian Quintero, MD has joined the Valley family and is able to provide the surgical care necessary to help us attain that goal. While we still have a long road ahead of us, we’ve made great strides in creating a positive atmosphere for all.”
Learn more about Valley’s providers with a special interest in caring for our LGBTQ+community.
Read the 2020 HEI report.
The Human Rights Campaign Foundation is the education arm of America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people. HRC envisions a world where LGBTQ people are embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community.
I am so glad to see this as it is a very real issue previously unknown to me; the lack of care or concern for the health of our LGBTQ community. What would be even better is to have a day when we don’t require special notice for this type of equal service, due to the correct and unconditional concern for others.
I am still happy to see this and thank you!