Less than a year old, a new program at Chester County Hospital has garnered national distinction for its support and care of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender patients.

“Our mission has always been to provide welcoming and culturally sensitive care for all communities, including the LGBT community,” program director of medicine Baligh Yehia said in an article published on The Daily Pennsylvanian. “Leaders at Penn Medicine are extremely proud of this designation.”

A recent study done by The Kaiser Family Foundation found that “sexual and gender minorities experience worse physical and mental health outcomes and face unique health challenges compared to their heterosexual counterparts.”

The program, launched at all four Penn Medicine facilities, focuses on non-discrimination policies and training through lectures, talks, panel discussions and circulation of resources, the article noted.

The Healthcare Equality Leader award was bestowed by the Human Rights Campaign, a national organization promoting equal treatment and protection for LGBTQ individuals.

Read more about the new program and award in The Daily Pennsylvanian here.