Two BJC Hospitals Receive National Recognition for Promoting LGBTQ+ Equality and Inclusion

Barnes-Jewish Hospital and St. Louis Children’s Hospital have earned the highest designation of “LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader” in the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s (HRC) Healthcare Equality Index through 2023. The Healthcare Equality Index is the nation’s foremost benchmarking survey of health care facilities on policies and practices dedicated to the equitable treatment and inclusion of their LGBTQ+ patients, visitors, and employees.

Barnes-Jewish is the only adult hospital and St. Louis Children’s Hospital the only pediatric hospital within a 200-mile radius of St. Louis to earn this designation. Organizations designated as “Leaders” by HRC received the maximum score of 100 in the report.

“We’re committed to supporting the LGBTQ+ community throughout all of our services and our employment practices,” said Dr. John Lynch, president of Barnes-Jewish Hospital. “That commitment goes beyond just our policies and calls on us to create an environment of inclusion and belonging for all.”

“We’re proud to be recognized as an organization where everyone can be their authentic selves, whether they’re receiving care or providing it,” said Trish Lollo, St. Louis Children’s president. “Our mission is to do what’s right for kids and their families. That means doing what’s right for every individual, regardless of race, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, or income level.”

The Healthcare Equality Index assesses participants on four criteria:

• Ensure foundational non-discrimination protection for patients, visitors and staff in patient and staff policies and provide cultural competency training on LGBTQ+-inclusion

• Demonstrate progress toward inclusion on LGBTQ+ patient care services and support

• Cultivate an inclusive workplace by providing LGBTQ+-inclusive employee policies and benefits

• Demonstrate engagement with and public commitment to the LGBTQ+ community

“BJC strives daily to be a health care leader where all who walk through our doors feel seen, welcomed and most importantly, receive safe, equitable and culturally-aware care,” said Rich Liekweg, BJC HealthCare president and CEO. “We know that it is more important than ever to continue our focus to strengthen inclusivity. In doing so, we will enhance our potential to build trust with both those who turn to us for care, as well as our colleagues who provide it.”

BJC facilities are committed to providing exceptional care that is inclusive and equitable to all patients, visitors, and employees, including the LGBTQ+ communities.