Ingham County Community Health Centers recognized as Leader in LGBTQ health

FRIDAY, June 2— The Ingham County Health Department’s Community Health Centers earned recognition from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation this year for its LGBTQ health services.

The national nonprofit awarded the Ingham County Health Centers with Leader status based on its 2017 Healthcare Equality Index survey. The survey assesses four core objectives: LGBTQ patient-centered care, LGBTQ patient services and support, LGBTQ employee benefits and policies and LGBTQ patient and community engagement. To acquire Leader status, a facility must score 100 percent on each objective.

“We are committed to providing inclusive care to everyone in our community,” said Ingham County Health Officer Linda S. Vail.

The Health Equality Index looked at over 1,500 facilities nationwide, with 302 receiving Leader status. Only two Michigan facilities were awarded Leader status, the other being the VA Battle Creek Medical Center in Battle Creek.

The survey, now in its tenth year, the Healthcare Equality Index strives to help members of the LGBTQ community and their families find equitable and inclusive healthcare providers in their states, according to its website. Vail is proud to be named a Leader in LGBTQ health, but stressed that there is still more work to be done.

“We will continue to strive for ways to support LGBTQ patients and community members and address LGBTQ health disparities,” she said.