Local health orgs receive national recognition
A national LGBT civil-rights organization recognized four local health agencies for their work as “Leaders in LGBTQ Healthcare Equality.”
The Human Rights Campaign Foundation released its Healthcare Equality Index 2017 March 29, in which it recognized 303 LGBT-friendly organizations. In the 10th edition, HRC included 12 Pennsylvania organizations, including four from Philadelphia.
These included the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia, Mazzoni Center and Willowcrest Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center Philadelphia. These organizations were also recognized in the Healthcare Equality Index 2016.
To be considered for this recognition, 509 groups participated in a survey to measure their implementation of LGBT-inclusive policies and practices in patient-centered care, patient services and support, inclusive employee benefits and policies and patient and community engagement.
Former LGBT director to discuss navigating legal system
Nellie Fitzpatrick, the city’s former director of LGBT Affairs, will host a discussion this weekend regarding LGBT individuals navigating legal systems.
“And Justice For All: LGBTQ Individuals in Criminal Legal Systems” will include remarks on how LGBT people face barriers to equality and safety as defendants, victims and witnesses.
Fitzpatrick was an assistant district attorney for the city prior to becoming the director of LGBT Affairs, a position she vacated in February. She is set to start her own law practice later this year where she will focus on criminal defense and civil-rights work.
Fitzpatrick’s discussion will take place 11 a.m. April 9 at the Philadelphia Ethical Society, 1906 S. Rittenhouse Square.
— Jeremy Rodriguez
Comcast to volunteer at LGBT shelter
A group of LGBT and ally Comcast employees and friends is inviting the community to volunteer later this month at LGBT Home for Hope, the state’s first LGBT-specific homeless shelter and recovery center.
The initiative is part of Comcast Cares Day April 22, during which Comcast employees will participate in service projects throughout the region.
The Home for Hope event will take place from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the facility, 2831 N. Hutchinson St.
For more information or to RSVP, visit https://www.comcastinthecommunity.com/Project/Detail?projectId=8618.
Get flippin’ for charity
The fourth-annual Charity Flip Cup Tournament returns from 7-11 p.m. April 21 at Field House, 1150 Filbert St. The festivities benefit the local chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and Stonewall Sports, an association of LGBT and ally sports groups.
Admission costs $35, which includes beer for the flip-cup tournament and snacks. Teams can be comprised of up to eight players.
Spectator tickets are available for $10.
For more information, email [email protected].
— Jen Colletta