OU Health Earns Oklahoma’s First and Only Designation in Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Healthcare Equality Index

OKLAHOMA CITY – In keeping with its mission of leading healthcare and improving the lives of all people, OU Health has become the first and only healthcare system in Oklahoma to earn theLGBTQ Healthcare Equality Leader designation from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC).

The designation was awarded in the 11th edition of the Healthcare Equality Index (HEI) OU Health joins only 418 healthcare providers nationwide to earn the designation, which demonstrates a healthcare organization’s commitment to patient-centered, equitable, knowledgeable, sensitive and welcoming healthcare, free from discrimination.

“We are proud of this designation because at OU Health, one of the components of our mission is improving the lives of all people by reducing barriers to healthcare. We do that by ensuring diversity in our staff and by making sure they understand the needs of the LGBTQ community,” said Russel Rooms, OU Health Health Care Equality Coordinator.

HEI-designated facilities ensure foundational protection for patients, visitors and staff in patient and staff policies and provide cultural competency training. They demonstrate progress toward inclusive LGBTQ patient care and support and provide LGBTQ employee support and benefits. They also demonstrate public commitment to the LGBTQ community.

HEI is used by healthcare organizations nationwide to strengthen the care they give LGBTQ patients. It was developed to give healthcare facilities the information and resources they need to ensure that LGBTQ people have access to truly patient-centered care.

“For over a decade, the HEI has been the roadmap to closing the gap in ensuring equal care to LGBTQ patients and their families, and we urge every healthcare facility to join us in this continuing effort to provide inclusive care to all,” said HRC President Chad Griffin.

The 11th edition of the HEI marks the second year that participants are given a numerical score based on their LGBTQ-inclusive policies and practices. Participants that receive the maximum score in each section earn the status of 2018 LGBTQ Healthcare Equality Leader.

OU Health

OU Health is Oklahoma’s most comprehensive health system comprising OU Medical Center, Stephenson Cancer Center, The Children’s Hospital and OU Medical Center Edmond as well as the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, OU Physicians, and more than 50 Centers of Excellence and community clinics. Our staff is over 12,000 strong with a mission of leading healthcare – in patient care, education and research. Through our combined efforts, we strive to improve the lives of all people. OU Health’s vision is to be the premier health system for advancing medical care, education and research in the state and to be among the leaders nationally. Learn more at www.oumedicine.com.