Social inequality is often associated with poorer health status, and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sexual orientation has been associated with multiple health threats.

As such, there is a need for culturally competent medical care and prevention services that are specific to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ) population.

Main Line Health – home to some of the region’s most respected acute care hospitals – is keenly aware of the healthcare disparities that many in the LGBTQ community face, as it boasts two practices, one in Bryn Mawr and the other in Paoli, that are certified as LGBTQ Inclusive Care Providers.

“One in five transgender people are refused healthcare in the U.S.,” said Bryn Mawr Hospital’s Joanne Glusman, MSW, LSW. “Our health system has an adamant philosophy that we will take care of everyone in our community and will not tolerate discrimination.

“Sadly, the LGBTQ population is often already afraid to seek care because of that discrimination. If you don’t make a statement – one that says, ‘We understand. We get it. We have physicians and systems in place to provide the care you need.’ – then people are left to wonder (if you will welcome them).”

Through a culture of diversity, respect, and inclusion, Main Line Health provides a safe environment where LGBTQ patients, families, and visitors can expect inclusive care from a welcoming health system.

Main Line Health creates this culture of caring by:

• requiring physicians and staff members to complete LGBTQ training and education. Its team of LGBTQ Inclusive Care providers is familiar with LGBTQ terminology and epidemiology, as well as issues of confidentiality with minors and the importance of privacy for all.
• making available LGBTQ-friendly info in waiting areas. By having access to reading materials and health information that speaks to a patient’s reality, patients and their loved ones can feel comfortable in Main Line Health’s offices and waiting rooms.
• providing gender-neutral and gender-specific restrooms. While Main Line Health continues to expand availability of gender-neutral bathrooms across the system, it encourages patients to use the restroom that aligns with their expression.
• having in place nondiscriminatory policies. Main Line Health’s policies specifically address sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression, and the system is committed to on-going education so that these policies are firmly upheld by all in its organization.

“Several of my (LGBTQ) patients have been turned away by other healthcare providers,” said Dr. Becky Souder, a physician at Main Line HealthCare Family Medicine Paoli, an LGBTQ Inclusive Care practice. “Each patient’s journey is different. But just having that (LGBTQ Inclusive Care) certification is critical because it shows that we’re a safe, welcoming, knowledgeable place.”

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