News Releases

Nemours/Alfred I. du Pont for Children has been recognized for the second year as a “Leader in LGBT Healthcare Equality” by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the country’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization.

Nemours was one of a select group of 496 healthcare facilities nationwide to be named Leaders in LGBT Healthcare Equality. The findings were part of HRC Foundation’s Healthcare Equality Index 2016, a unique annual survey that encourages equal care for LGBT Americans, and recognizes healthcare institutions doing the best work. Facilities awarded this title meet key criteria, including patient and employee non-discrimination policies that specifically mention sexual orientation and gender identity, a guarantee of equal visitation for same-sex partners and parents, and LGBT health education for key staff members.

Nemours earned top marks in meeting non-discrimination and training criteria that demonstrate its commitment to equitable, inclusive care for LGBT patients, and their families, who can face significant challenges in securing the quality health care and respect they deserve.

Paul Kempinski, MS, FACHE, Enterprise Vice President and President, duPont Hospital for Children said, "We are proud to once again be recognized by the HRC for it is an acknowledgement of the individual care we offer to each child as we respect and protect their dignity. We value every family's perspective and address their needs, concerns, beliefs, opinions, and feelings."

In 2012 Nemours established an Office of Health Equity and Inclusion and has earned top marks in meeting non-discrimination and training criteria that demonstrate its commitment to equitable, inclusive care for LGBT patients, and their families, who can face significant challenges in securing the quality health care and respect they deserve. More recently, the Office formed Associate Resource Groups, including one for LGBTQ Associates, which meet regularly. Associate Resource Groups (ARG) are independent, voluntary groups of Associates who share common demographics, or those who are allies of the group. Many organizations have these groups to better understand what it’s like to be Associates of a particular demographic, to better meet their needs and to help them to not feel alone. ARGs align with the company’s business objectives and often serve as a catalyst for talent recruitment, engagement and retention strategies. At Nemours, they can also help to guide us on providing better care to patients and families like themselves.

"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 Nemours for its work to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all patients."

The Healthcare Equality Index offers healthcare facilities unique and powerful resources designed to help provide equal care to a long-overlooked group of patients, as well as assistance in complying with new regulatory requirements and access to high-quality staff training. Find more information about the Healthcare Equality Index 2016.