Penobscot Community Health Care Recognized as Leader in Health Care Equality
BANGOR, Maine, Aug. 31, 2020 – Penobscot Community Healthcare, historically committed to providing broad access to quality healthcare, has been named an “LGBTQ Health Care Equality Leader” by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. PCHC is one of only two organizations in Maine and 495 nationwide to receive the honor in a survey released Monday.
A record 765 healthcare facilities participated in the Healthcare Equality Index Survey, which recognizes the inclusivity of care. This year’s survey, the 13th, measured participation in programs including sensitivity training, non-discrimination policies, and inclusive benefits program for employees.
“PCHC takes great pride in offering inclusive, accessible care to our communities,” said CEO Lori Dwyer. “From our primary care practices to our dental clinics and every other service we provide, PCHC is committed to equality of care.”
The Human Rights Campaign Foundation is the education arm of the nation’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for LGBTQ people. HRC President Alphonso David praised the equality leaders for maintaining commitment to inclusive care even while battling COVID-19 and other crises
“The health care facilities participating in the Healthcare Equality Index are not only on the front lines of the pandemic, they are also making it clear from their participation in the HEI that they stand on the side of fairness and are committed to providing inclusive care to their LGBTQ patients,” David said.
This is the 11th year that PCHC has been named an Equality Leader. The only other healthcare facility in Maine to be designated an Equality Leader is the Maine VA (Veterans Administration) hospital in Augusta.