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Thursday, July 11, 2013

Contra Costa Regional Medical Center in Martinez has been recognized as a leader in healthcare equality by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC), the largest national organization advocating for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights.

The Healthcare Equality Index 2013, an annual survey conducted by the group, rated the hospital a "Leader in LGBT Healthcare Equality."

"We are committed to providing our patients and their families with respectful, equal and high quality care. We have incorporated those principles both in policy and in practice at our hospital and health centers, and we’re continuing to improve by including patients, their families and the community in this critical work," said Anna Roth, Chief Executive Officer of Contra Costa Regional Medical Center (CCRMC) & Health Centers which is part of the county health system, Contra Costa Health Services.

Only 464 healthcare facilities have been awarded this designation nationwide and each met criteria for equitable care, including non-discrimination policies for LGBT patients and employees, a guarantee of equal visitation for same-sex partners and parents, and LGBT health education for key staff members.

The county hospital qualified for the honor through modernizing its non-discrimination policies, training staff how to provide appropriate, respectful care for LGBT people, expanding relationships with community partners and initiating public events to help raise awareness. The hospital is working to adapt its visitation policy into a "welcoming policy" for all patients and their loved ones.

"We embrace diversity throughout our health system and are proud to have received this designation. We work diligently to provide high-quality health services that reflect the communities we serve, and that is why this is such an important honor," said Dr. William Walker, Director of Contra Costa Health Services.

CCRMC and Health Centers was congratulated by HRC Health & Aging Director Shane Snowdon: "LGBT patients deeply appreciate the welcoming environment. It makes a big difference to know that your local healthcare facility is fully committed to giving you the same care it gives your neighbors and coworkers."

To learn more about the efforts of CCRMC and Health Centers to provide LGBT patients and their families with equal access to quality healthcare, please visit cchealth.org/pride.

For more information about the Healthcare Equality Index 2013, please visit hrc.org/hei.

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