MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center Is Named a “Leader in LGBT Healthcare Equality” By National Survey

Baltimore—(April 19, 2016)—MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center has been named a “Leader in LGBT Healthcare Equality” by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation. This is the fourth consecutive year the hospital has been recognized for its commitment to equitable and inclusive care for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) patients, their families, and associates.

“Our continued national recognition by the HRC Foundation is a testament to the compassionate and quality care our patients, their loved ones, and our associates receive,” said Larry Strassner, PhD, RN, FACHE, NEA-BC, Senior Vice President, Operations and Chief Nursing Officer at MedStar Franklin Square. “MedStar Franklin Square maintains our commitment to advancing health care for each and every member of our community.”

Earning top marks, MedStar Franklin Square is one of a select group of 496 healthcare facilities nationwide to earn the coveted status of 2016 Leader in LGBT Healthcare Equality. The findings were part of the HRC Foundation’s 2016 Healthcare Equality Index (HEI), a unique annual survey that evaluates inclusive policies and practices related to LGBT patients, visitors and healthcare associates. Facilities awarded this recognition met four key HEI criteria, including:

• Patient and employee non-discrimination policies
• Guarantee of equal visitation for same-sex partners and parents
• Employment non-discrimination
• Training in LGBT patient-centered care

“Despite all the progress we’ve made, far too many LGBT people still lack inclusive and affirming healthcare.  Leaders in LGBT Healthcare Equality are helping to change that, and, in the process, making the lives of LGBT patients and their families better each and every day,” said Chad Griffin, President of the Human Rights Campaign. “LGBT people have a right to be treated equally in all aspects of our lives, and HRC celebrates MedStar Franklin Square for its work to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all patients.”

For more information about the award, click here.

About MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center

MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center is a not-for-profit 378-bed community teaching hospital located in the White Marsh section of eastern Baltimore County, Maryland. MedStar Franklin Square provides many medical and healthcare services, including a broad range of healthcare specialties, advanced technologies and treatments not traditionally found at community hospitals. The hospital is ranked third in admissions among all Maryland hospitals and is first in Emergency Department visits with more than 108,000 visits annually. MedStar Franklin Square is accredited by the Joint Commission and certified as a Primary Stroke Center and has earned some of the nation’s most prestigious quality awards including Magnet Designation for excellence in nursing, the Excellence Award for Quality Improvement from the Delmarva Foundation and inclusion in the U.S. News & World Report Best Hospital specialty ranking for four consecutive years. With more than 3,300 employees, MedStar Franklin Square is one of the largest employers in Baltimore County. Visit medstarfranklinsquare.org for more information.

About the Human Rights Campaign

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.