For Immediate Release
Contact: Derek T. Berry
Ph: 202-877-1773
Derek.T.Berry@medstar.net
Michael Leaver (left), Community Relations Coordinator, and Rob Hartmann (r), VP for Marketing at MedStar NRH, meet with Health & Human Services Secretary Sibelius at the June 18th announcement. |
WASHINGTON, DC – June 18, 2012 – MedStar National Rehabilitation Network, which offers services for patients with brain injury, stroke, spinal cord injury, orthopedic injuries, sports injuries and more, has been recognized as a “Leader in LGBT Healthcare Equality” in the Healthcare Equality Index (HEI) 2012 report, an annual survey conducted by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the country’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) organization. The MedStar NRH Network earned top marks for its commitment to equitable, inclusive care for LGBT patients and their families, who can face challenges in accessing adequate healthcare.
The HRC Foundation released results of the HEI today at a ceremony featuring U.S. Secretary for Health and Human Services, Kathleen Sebelius. MedStar National Rehabilitation Network Medical Director Michael Yochelson, MD, MBA, states, “We are proud to receive this distinction and be recognized as a leader in treating LGBT patients and their families. MedStar National Rehabilitation Network prides itself on diversity in everything we do, especially patient care, for which we believe there should be no barriers.”
The MedStar NRH Network is one of 71 survey respondents representing 234 healthcare facilities – and the only rehabilitation hospital - nationwide that responded ‘yes’ to all of the Core Four HEI criteria, including leader status for 2012. The Core Four criteria includes nondiscrimination policies for LGBT patients and employees, a guarantee of equal visitation for same-sex partners and parents, non-discrimination policies for employees that include the terms “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” and LGBT health education for key staff.
MedStar National Rehabilitation Network was congratulated by HRC Family Project Director Ellen Kahn. “LGBT patients deeply appreciate the welcoming environment provided by a Leader in LGBT Healthcare Equality,” said Kahn. “It makes a big difference to know that your local healthcare facility is fully committed to giving you the same care it gives your neighbors and co-workers.”
For more information about the Healthcare Equality Index 2012, or to download a free copy of the report, visit www.hrc.org/hei. For more on MedStar NRH, go to medstarnrh.org.
MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital is a private, not-for-profit facility with 137 beds located in Northwest Washington, D.C. MedStar NRH’s services are designed specifically for the rehabilitation of individuals with disabling injuries and illnesses such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury and disease, arthritis, amputations, post-polio syndrome, chronic pain, back and neck pain, occupational injuries, cancer and cardiac disease that require medical rehabilitation, and other neurological and orthopedic conditions. Annually, MedStar NRH admits approximately 2,200 inpatients and provides nearly 350,000 ambulatory visits at 34 MedStar National Rehabilitation Network outpatient sites located in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia. We treat patients from the age of 6 and up and our pediatric unit — the National Center for Children’s Rehabilitation — is a joint service of MedStar NRH and Children’s National Medical Center.
MedStar NRH has appeared on the “Best Hospitals” list in U.S. News & World Report for 17 consecutive years and is currently ranked among the top hospitals for medical rehabilitation in America. MedStar NRH is fully accredited by The Joint Commission and the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). We have CARF accredited specialty programs for Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury, and Stroke. MedStar NRH is a proud member of MedStar Health., parent company to MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital, MedStar Harbor Hospital, MedStar Montgomery Medical Center, MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital, MedStar Union Memorial Hospital, MedStar Washington Hospital Center and the MedStar Visiting Nurse Association. For more on MedStar NRH, log on to medstarnrh.org.