Mission Health highlighted in Healthcare Equality Index 2014

Named as “Leader in LGBT Healthcare Equality” by National Survey

 
Mission Health has been recognized as a “Leader in LGBT Healthcare Equality” in the Healthcare Equality Index 2014, an annual survey conducted by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the county’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization.  Mission Health received top marks for its commitment to continually demonstrating equitable, non-discriminatory care for LGBT staff, patients and their families that can often face significant challenges in securing quality healthcare.

“One of the main keys to providing comprehensive healthcare to all our patients begins internally by providing inclusive treatment for our own employees and caregivers,” said William Maples, MD, Senior Vice President and Chief Quality Officer, Mission Health.  “Mission Health is committed to supporting healthcare equality for staff and their loved ones. We have been and will continue to show that same support for our patients and our community.” 

Mission Health was one of a select group of 426 healthcare facilities nationwide to be named Leaders in LGBT Healthcare Equality.  Facilities awarded this title meet key criteria, including patient and employee non-discrimination policies, a guarantee of equal visitation for same-sex parents and partners, as well as LGBT health education for staff members. 

"We hope that being Leaders in Equality will continually making the lives of LGBT patients and their families better each and every day,” said Rebecca Bernstein, MD, Chair of the Diversity Committee for Mission Health. “We strongly believe that all people are endowed with the same rights and that everyone should be treated equally in all facets of life.  It is a great desire of ours to continually cultivate an environment that is inclusive and welcoming for all patients and by becoming Leaders in Equity under HRC, we have moved toward making care better for our LGBT population.”

The annual Healthcare Equality Index provides healthcare facilities a unique and powerful opportunity to asses themselves against 30+ best practices in LGBT care.  This comprehensive criteria is specifically designed to bring awareness to and promote healthcare facilities that provide equal opportunity care to an overlooked group of patients.  For more information about the Healthcare Equality Index 2014, or to download a free copy of the report, visit www.hrc.org/hei.

Insurance Service of Asheville expands 5th annual blanket drive for ABCCM - Nov. 19th

Insurance Service of Asheville, Inc. is holding its 5^th annual blanket drive to help keep Asheville warm this winter, and has expanded the drive to include winter wearables such as coats, hats, scarves and gloves.

Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry Executive Director Scott Rogers notes, “In the first six months of this year, ABCCM gave away 10,416 blankets to about 3,863 households. Caring for our neighbors is as simple as a blanket, coat, hat, scarf or gloves...”

In a two-part outreach program, the local, independent insurance agency, in partnership with ABCCM and radio station 98.1FM The River, is:

• donating 288 brand new fleece blankets—enough to cover every bed in ABCCM’s network of residential facilities; and
• holding a blanket and winter wearables drive on Wednesday, November 19^th from 7:00am-12:00 noon in the parking lot of its offices at Executive Park at the corner of College and Charlotte streets to collect new and clean, gently used blankets, coats, hats, scarves and gloves for ABCCM’s Crisis Ministry. The public is invited to stop by the drive the morning of November 19^th, drop off a donation of one or more blankets or winter wearables, and enjoy coffee, donuts, and home-baked breakfast treats from the ISA staff. Staff from ABCCM, Insurance Service of Asheville, and 98.1FM The River’s live remote team will be on hand for the blanket drive.

According to Insurance Service of Asheville President Jim Stickney, “Our company’s annual blanket drive is a way for us to meet a tangible need in our community as we near the holiday season, and this year we wanted to expand our drive to include other winter clothing items that help those in need. Because we provide coverage for people and businesses in Asheville through our insurance work, the blanket drive is a natural fit. We want to engage the community in assisting ABCCM with these basic necessities. This is our fifth annual drive, in a season that is predicted to be especially cold.”

ABCCM is the primary non-profit organization addressing poverty, hunger, homelessness and access to health care for the under-served in Buncombe County. 

For more information about Insurance Service of Asheville’s Winter 2014 Blanket Drive, visit www.isa-avl.com.

Free Workout Wednesdays offered at YWCA in November

During the month of November the YWCA of Asheville is hosting free "Workout Wednesdays" all day, every Wednesday at the YW's Club W Health & Fitness Center.

The purpose of Workout Wednesdays is to open up their exercise facility and programming - including the weight room, solar-heated pool, and exercise classes - to the community as a thank you for supporting the YWCA over the past 107 years, and to encourage health and wellness as we enter into a season known for indulgence. 

November is a month for giving back and for showing gratitude. The Y staff look forward to hosting members of the community at Club W Health & Fitness Center on Wednesdays.

The fully equipped facility includes:

      • A 2,500-square-foot gym fully equipped with free weights & weight machines
      • An 860-square-foot fitness studio with ergonomically designed floors
      • A 75-foot-long solar-heated pool
      • An indoor cycling studio
      • Adaptive equipment & programs

Club W Memberships are available to men and women, and help support the YWCA’s social justice programs.

More information about Club W is here: www.ywcaofasheville.org/clubw.