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Care equality top performer

Human Rights Campaign logo of blue square with yellow equal sign and the words LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Top Performer
Image of the 2022 Healthcare Equality Index LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Top Performer logo from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation contains words to that effect and the Human Rights Campaign logo of a blue square around two yellow horizontal lines to create an equal symbol.
By Michael Hamill, Public Affairs Specialist

Coatesville Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) recently received an evaluation of 90 out of 100 and the designation of "LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Top Performer" in the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Healthcare Equality Index (HEI).

Human Rights Campaign Foundation's 15th anniversary edition of the HEI is the nation's foremost benchmarking survey of health care facilities on policies and practices dedicated to the equitable treatment and inclusion of LGBTQ+ patients, visitors and employees.

A record 906 health care facilities actively participated in the 2022 HEI survey and 251 of those earned an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Top Performer designation.

"The Healthcare Equality Index, at its core, strives to ensure LGBTQ+ people are protected and affirmed by their health care providers and feel safe seeking services," said Tari Hanneman, Director of Health & Aging at The Human Rights Campaign.

Coatesville VAMC prides itself on being a safe space for LGBTQ+ Veterans to receive health care services and encourage Veterans to "do ask and do tell" your care team to achieve your optimal health and well-being for the Veteran you are.

Christina Clements serves as the LGBTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinator at Coatesville VAMC and champions LGBTQ+ affirming health care through efforts such as creating a safe and welcoming environment, coordinating training for staff, and engaging in outreach efforts for LGBTQ+ Veterans in the surrounding communities.

"We are really proud to receive HEI's Top Performer designation and attribute this achievement to our increased efforts to train staff in LGBTQ+ Patient-Centered Care and through placing a larger emphasis on patient and community engagement. We hope that this achievement, and our ongoing dedication to further enhancing the experience of LGBTQ+ Veterans, encourages LGBTQ+ Veterans to consider Coatesville VA Medical Center because we are dedicated to the goal of serving all who served."

Hanneman said, HEI active participants, like Coatesville VA, are truly pioneering the health care industry by implementing robust, comprehensive LGBTQ+ inclusive policies that will hopefully become standard practice.

If you would like to know more about our safe spaces or have questions regarding our LGBTQ+ practices and policies, contact Christina Clements, Coatesville VAMC's LGBTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinator at 610-384-7711, extension 2806.