To build on its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), LCMC Health announced community partnerships with three local LGBTQ+ organizations – House of Tulip, LGBT Community Center of New Orleans, and the New Orleans Advocates for LGBTQ+ Elders (NOAGE) – to offer its hospitals a series of cultural competency programs to better serve the LGBTQ+ community.
LCMC Health will educate system and hospital staff by launching partner-led trainings focused on the best ways to engage with LGBTQ+ patients of all ages and backgrounds. This program will enhance communication with patients and the community and increase equitable experiences by eliminating barriers with customized training programs and hands-on community initiatives that create inclusive environments and improve outcomes.
“As a major community healthcare provider in the greater New Orleans area, we have a responsibility to advance equitable and inclusive care for all individuals and families. We play a special role in enhancing community experiences by training providers and staff with ways to offer competent, sensitive care to LGBTQ+ patients, while also ensuring our employees feel that same sense of inclusion,” said Toni Flowers, MD, chief diversity and social responsibility officer for LCMC Health.
LCMC Health is also taking steps to establish a ranking on the healthcare equity index for the Human Rights Campaign, the educational arm of the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization. Despite recent progress, the Human Rights Campaign reports that many LGBTQ+ individuals are still greatly impacted by violence, discrimination, and fear, particularly those that are trans, people of color, and HIV positive powerful movement for equality throughout the country. Implementing strong partnerships will support the specific needs of the LGBTQ+ community.