News

Strong Memorial Hospital a High Performer in LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Index

Monday, June 3, 2024

Strong Memorial Hospital earned a High Performer score in the 2024 Human Rights Campaign Foundation Healthcare Equality Index (HEI). The designation was awarded in May. A record 1,065 healthcare facilities actively participated in the HEI 2024 survey and scoring process. Of those participants, 462 received the “LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality High Performer” designation.

Healthcare facilities, including Strong Memorial Hospital, were scored based on meeting the following criteria:

• non-discrimination and staff training
• patient services and support
• employee benefits and policies
• patient and community engagement
• responsible citizenship

Strong was recognized as a High Performer for scoring 90 out of 100 points for, among other criteria, having clearly communicated LGBTQ+ inclusive patient non-discrimination, visitation, and employment non-discrimination policies. Another area of excellence is patient services and support, with Strong receiving full credit for meeting best practices in patient identification and data collection.

“We are honored by this designation, which recognizes our commitment to supporting and caring for LGBTQ+ people,” said URMC CEO and SMD Dean David Linehan, MD. “It is rewarding to be in the company of other health care organizations that prioritize comprehensive equity for all. But we know we have more work to do to assure we are inclusive of all patients, family members, and staff, and that we are breaking down barriers to guarantee equitable access to quality health care.”

As the nation recognizes Pride Month this month, the designation holds even more significance. This year’s HEI comes as LGBTQ+ adults are twice as likely as non-LGBTQ+ adults to be “treated unfairly or with disrespect by a doctor or healthcare provider” in the last three years, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.

The impact of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation combined with a history of discrimination in healthcare settings has the potential to cause even more LGBTQ+ people to delay or avoid seeking healthcare, which makes the HEI even more salient for those looking to find LGBTQ+-inclusive care.

Megan Lytle, Clinic Director of Transgender Patient Experience at URMC said, “Working towards eliminating the health disparities experienced by LGBTQ+ individuals is my life’s work. With support from URMC’s Health Equity Program Support Office, my team and I are creating a collaborative interdisciplinary care model, called the Gender Patient Support (GPS): Health & Wellness Program, that focuses on addressing physical and behavioral health needs of transgender and gender diverse adults in a supportive and compassionate environment. Additionally, we have created the URMC Transgender Health ECHO to share our knowledge and skills with health care professionals across the region.” 

To learn more about URMC and other healthcare facilities that took part in this year’s HEI, click here.

Free tickets to Red Wings Tribute to the Negro Leagues

Sunday, June 2, 2024

University of Rochester and University of Rochester Medical Center employees and students can claim up to 4 free tickets to the annual Rochester Red Wings Salute to the Negro Leagues Night at Innovative Field on June 14. The annual game celebrates the Negro Leagues contribution to major league baseball history. Students and employees can pick up their tickets at the Office of Equity and Inclusion at the Medical Center, 1-4444, and University of Rochester, 140 Wallis Hall, between the hours of 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are available on a first come, first served basis.

 

Happy Ramadan 2024

Monday, March 11, 2024

 

 

This year, Ramadan began Sunday, March 10, 2024 and will end on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. Muslims fast each day of Ramadan from dawn until dusk, for the duration of the month. Ramadan commemorates the month during which Muslims believe the prophet Muhammed was given the first revelations of the Quran, the holy book of Islam, from the angel Gabriel.  This holy month is a time for introspection. Ramadan is also intended to bring Muslims closer to their faith and to Allah (“God”).

During Ramadan, only healthy adults are required to fast. Faculty and staff are asked to be aware of this and to make accommodations as needed.

 

 

UR Campus Climate Survey on Sexual Assault and Misconduct Results Now Available Online

Tuesday, March 5, 2024

In spring 2023, the University of Rochester participated in the Campus Climate Survey on Sexual Assault and Misconduct, administered by Westat in a nearly identical form to prior climate surveys organized by the Association of American Universities (AAU).

Rochester students studying at all levels and across all schools were encouraged to participate in the survey, which assessed:

• The campus climate around sexual assault and sexual misconduct
• The frequency and nature of sexual assault and sexual misconduct
• The frequency and nature of sexual harassment, intimate partner violence, and stalking
• What students know and think about resources related to sexual assault and sexual misconduct

At the conclusion of the survey, Westat compiled and organized the data for our campus. The University’s survey report and appendices prepared by Westat are posted on the University’s Title IX website.

What do these results mean for University of Rochester students?

The results of the survey help the University understand the prevalence and nature of students’ experiences with sexual and relationship violence, harassment, and other sexual misconduct, as well as students’ knowledge and opinion of the Title IX resources available to them.

The survey results are used to inform University leadership and officials of the greatest areas of need to direct resources and prevention efforts.  Specifically, we will use the information in the survey report to assess the effectiveness of our training and other ongoing education programs to ensure that all community members feel well-informed about how to recognize, report, and prevent sexual harassment in University spaces and places. 

Finally, the survey results will help us understand what communication strategies can be improved so that students, faculty, and staff know where to find and how to access the relevant policies, processes, and resources. 

We are grateful to all undergraduate and graduate students who participated.

For specific questions about Rochester’s 2023 Campus Climate Survey on Sexual Assault and Sexual Misconduct, please contact titleix@rochester.edu.

How to support the Title IX Office

If you are interested in supporting the Title IX Office’s work:

Go to the Title IX Office’s CCU webpage to learn about upcoming events!

Register to take the Medallion course for the BADASS (Being Aware, Deciding to Act, and Saying Something) Bystander program, in which students learn skills to be active and empowered bystanders who can take action to interrupt harm to others.

We are seeking faculty and staff to support UR community members as trained advisors and support persons within the University’s Title IX and Student Sexual Misconduct processes.  If you are interested in supporting UR community members in this way, please contact titleix@rochester.edu for more information.