June Is Pride Month
We Provide Exceptional Care and Service – for Every Patient
One of EvergreenHealth's strategic priorities is to ensure "absolute safety and consistent quality care that mirrors best practice and high clinical performance." It's part of our organizational culture to provide our patients with skilled, compassionate and equitable care, not only during Pride Month, but every month. Every patient, every time. Historically, patients in the LGBTQ+ community, as well as many other minority populations, have experienced higher rates of health disparities. Knowledgeable, inclusive and respectful care is essential to closing the gaps in health care delivery and ensuring all our patients receive personalized care that contributes to their individual health and well-being.
As a family physician and ally to the LGBTQ+ community, I am committed to providing inclusive, holistic and informed care that centers on fostering a safe and welcoming environment where individuals feel seen, heard and respected. Recognizing the diverse needs and experiences within this community, I have prioritized ongoing education and training for myself to understand the unique health concerns they may face, including those related to gender identity/expression, sexual orientation and social determinants of health. My goal is to engage in open and affirming dialogue, empowering patients to express their identities and preferences without fear of judgment or discrimination.
One of my main objectives as a primary care provider is to help patients access and navigate a medical system that can sometimes be complex. This includes helping patients connect with specialists and community resources, such as mental health care providers, for a comprehensive care plan. My hope is that every point of care at EvergreenHealth would be seen and recognized as an LGBTQ+-friendly place, both by our patients and within the greater community. By embracing diversity and advocating for equity, I aspire to cultivate a health care environment where all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, can thrive and receive the compassionate care they deserve.
As a greater health care organization, our transition to Epic in 2022 has offered a new opportunity for us to deliver inclusive care. Essential patient information is now provided by patients and displayed in the patient's chart. This can include sex assigned at birth, legal sex, organ inventory, patient pronouns, more options for gender identity (such as non-binary, trans female/male) and more – giving providers at-a-glance access to meaningful patient identity that can help build relationships and inform our care.
As we advocate for a more equitable and inclusive community, EvergreenHealth is also building a better toolkit. Our staff and provider resources continue to grow, including virtual classes on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression (SOGIE) and educational materials developed through our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility Council.
