Celebrating Pride: How Hackensack Meridian Health is Serving the LGBTQ+ Community

By: Caitlin Miller, MBA, MS, BSN, RN-BC
President and Chief Hospital Executive, Bayshore Medical Center

As we celebrate Pride Month, it is important to recognize the unique health needs of the LGBTQ+ community and the challenges they face when seeking care. Within the Hackensack Meridian Health network, we are committed to providing high-quality, culturally competent care to all patients, including those who identify as LGBTQ+.

Members of the LGBTQ+ community often face discrimination and stigma when seeking medical care. This can lead to a reluctance or delay in seeking care, and a lack of trust in healthcare providers. As a result, LGBTQ+ individuals are more likely to experience health disparities and negative health outcomes than their heterosexual and cisgender counterparts.

At Hackensack Meridian Health, we recognize the importance of creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all patients. We have implemented policies and training programs to ensure that our staff provides culturally competent care to all patients, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. In fact, eleven Hackensack Meridian Health hospitals have been named by the Human Rights Council as a “LGBTQ+ Health Care Equality Leader” – with a perfect score of 100! We have also designed an extensive training program for physicians on appropriate language and terminology, as well as on the unique health needs and health disparities faced by LGBTQ+ individuals. 

We also offer a range of services specifically tailored to the needs of the LGBTQ+ community. These services include:

1. Behavioral Health Services: We offer behavioral health services specifically tailored to the needs of LGBTQ+ individuals, including counseling and support groups. We recognize that members of the LGBTQ+ community are more likely to experience mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse, and we are committed to providing the support they need.
   
   
2. HIV/AIDS Services: We offer comprehensive HIV/AIDS services, including testing, treatment, and support services. We recognize that members of the LGBTQ+ community are disproportionately affected by HIV/AI
   
   DS and are committed to providing the best possible care to those living with this disease.
   
   
3. Community Outreach: We are committed to engaging with the LGBTQ+ community and to building trust and understanding between healthcare providers and patients. We participate in community events and sponsor LGBTQ+ organizations to promote awareness of LGBTQ+ health issues and to provide education and support to the community.

Our commitment to providing high-quality, culturally competent care to the LGBTQ+ community is reflected in our policies, programs, and services. We recognize that members of the LGBTQ+ community face unique health needs and challenges, and we are committed to providing the best possible care to all patients, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

As we celebrate Pride Month, we must also recognize the ongoing challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community. Discrimination, violence, and inequality continue to be major issues for LGBTQ+ individuals, both in the United States and around the world. We must continue to advocate for laws and policies that protect the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals and promote equality and acceptance.

As president and chief hospital executive at Bayshore Medical Center and as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I am proud to work at Hackensack Meridian Health, which is committed to providing compassionate, respectful care to all patients and to working towards a world where everyone is treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.