DONATE NOW
  • Home
  • About
    • Who We Are
    • Board of Directors
    • Meet the PROMO Staff
    • Current Openings
    • Contact Us
  • Get Involved
    • Donate
    • Join PROMO’s Capitol Club
  • Events
  • News
    • Blog
  • Issues
  • SAGE of PROMO Fund
  • Resources
    • COVID-19 Resources

Barnes-Jewish Hospital Leads in LGBT Health

By PROMO

October 21, 2014

Tweet
Pin
Share
0 Shares

by: Erin Curran
Manager-Education, Quality Research
Interim Manager-Refugee Health and Interpreter Services

Center for Diversity and Cultural Competence
Different populations of people often times have different health care needs. A 2012 report by the Missouri Foundation for Health identified lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Missourians as a population that experiences poorer health outcomes than the general population.
Personally, I’ve heard stories from LGBT people about the negative experiences they have encountered in health care settings; discrimination from providers, denied visitation rights, and a breakdown in cultural understanding have led LGBT Missourians down a path of negative health outcomes: until now.

Barnes-Jewish Hospital commits itself to making sure that all populations are treated with equity and respect.  Having teamed up with the regions LGBT community, Barnes-Jewish Hospital was able to identify and address specific issues unique to this population. Now, we are leading the region on addressing these concerns. Identified in 2014 as a “Leader in LGBT Health” by the country’s largest LGBT advocacy organization, the Human Rights Campaign, Barnes-Jewish Hospital is leading the way in providing education and a welcoming space for LGBT Missourians.

To be a leader, Barnes-Jewish Hospital had to address policy barriers and provide education to its employees on LGBT health disparities.  Time and time again we hear that LGBT Missourians are more likely to delay going to a doctor – or to seek out health care in general – out of fear of discrimination. Unfortunately, in most parts of Missouri, LGBT Missourians can be fired from their job, denied access to housing, and public accommodations, simply because of their sexual orientation and gender identity.  Because of the lack of state protections, Barnes-Jewish Hospital created its own environment of inclusion that started by addressing discrimination for all of its patients and employees.

To provide the best care and health outcomes for any population, it’s important that health care providers understand the unique needs and disparities found within differing populations – herein lies part of the problem. The average medical student spends fewer than 5 hours learning about LGBT health issues, and the majority of that time is dedicated to HIV/AIDS. At Barnes-Jewish Hospital our health care providers are trained in serving the LGBT community as part of the education we provide to our employees.

In the end, it is up to health professionals and providers to make sure that our health facilities are LGBT welcoming. I am proud of Barnes-Jewish Hospital for taking a lead in LGBT health.

Issues

  • LGBTQ Health

Related News

The Latest on Health Care Nondiscrimination and What It Means For You

June has been a big month for our community. The Supreme Court ruled that LGBTQ people in every state, including Missouri, are protected from employment…

Facing COVID-19 Together (Vaccine Updates)

At PROMO we know how difficult of a time this is, especially for our LGBTQ family. Below is a list of resources, including sources to…

Five Ways to Make Your Mental Health a Priority Today

Today, November 1, is Stress Awareness Day. In honor of this day let's take a look at five ways you can take care of YOU…

Transgender Center at St. Louis Children’s Hospital Open

The Washington University Transgender Center at St. Louis Children's Hospital is now open in Town and Country! As stated on their website they offer the only…

  • Home
  • About
    • Who We Are
    • Board of Directors
    • Meet the PROMO Staff
    • Current Openings
    • Contact Us
  • Get Involved
    • Donate
    • Join PROMO’s Capitol Club
  • Events
  • News
    • Blog
  • Issues
  • SAGE of PROMO Fund
  • Resources
    • COVID-19 Resources

© Copyright 2022 PROMO. All Rights Reserved.

Proud member of
Equality Federation