Penn State Health, College of Medicine show support for Pride Month

During June, Penn State Health and Penn State College of Medicine are celebrating Pride Month. Employees have several opportunities to show their support and honor their lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) colleagues and communities.

Penn State Health established the LGBTQ+ Business Employee Resource Group (BERG) in 2010 to provide education, support and advocacy services to our workforce and educational community. The resource group will offer information about LGBTQ+ support at some area Penn State Health medical centers.

The BERG and Sexual and Gender Minority Advisory Council work to create and maintain a safe, inclusive and equitable environment for LGBTQ+ students, staff, faculty, postdoctoral scholars and fellows, residents, alumni and patients.

Penn State Health employees can support Pride Month by:

• Downloading and using a virtual background from the Digital StoreFront
• Exploring resources on the use of personal pronouns
• Taking part in a Pride event in the area

The health system will host an organization-wide Pride event in October to recognize the growth and progress of our workforce and communities we serve.

An opportunity to promote health equity

While Pride Month is a time of celebration, it can also serve as a reminder of the need to ensure equity and inclusion for our LGBTQ+ patients throughout the year.

The National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities has identified the LGBTQ+ community as a “health disparity population.” The key to health equity for the LGBTQ+ population is addressing the many challenges and stigmas that make LGBTQ+ people vulnerable to illness, according to GLAAD.

Improving health care experiences starts at patient intake. Employees who perform patient registration or assessments can improve health equity by asking patients for their preferred sexual and gender identity. All employees should look for opportunities to ensure patients are not harassed or discriminated against when they seek health care.

For more information on supporting our employees and patients, contact the Office for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

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