QUICK READ:

• UW Medicine is raising the Pride flag on our hospital campuses and sponsoring local events in support of the LGBTQIA2S+ community.
• Registration is open now to walk with UW Medicine at the Seattle Pride Parade on June 25.
• Employees are invited to participate in our LGBTQIA2S+ Affinity Group and EDI Foundational Training Program.

Pride Month, this year, comes at a time of increasing concern for many members of the LGBTQIA2S+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, Two Spirit and more) community. In 45 states, legislation has been introduced that threatens their fundamental rights and identity. Transgender youth are being especially targeted with restrictions on their access to gender-affirming and life-saving healthcare.

At this crucial juncture for healthcare equity and justice, we want to reaffirm our commitment to respect sexual diversity and provide gender-affirming care in our hospitals and clinics. While we know that what is happening nationally and in the WWAMI (Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana and Idaho) region is difficult for our employees and patients, we also want to acknowledge that a new law passed by the Washington State Legislature will support our efforts by protecting access to reproductive and gender-affirming healthcare across the state.

Pride Month Events: Our support for the LGBTQIA2S+ community will be on full display throughout the month with the Pride flag on our hospital campuses and our sponsorship of Pride in the Park (held on June 3), Trans Pride Seattle and Seattle Pride Parade.

• Our hospitals will have flag raising ceremonies at noon on Wednesday, June 7. Please join us outside if you are available.
• In support of the trans community, we will have a booth at Trans Pride Seattle. This event will take place from 6 to 9:30 p.m. on Friday, June 23, in the Volunteer Park Amphitheater.
• Sign up now to walk with our team at the Seattle Pride Parade on Sunday, June 25. We are limited to 200 participants (employees only), but space is still available on a first-come, first-served basis. Team members will receive a UW Medicine Pride T-shirt (while supplies last).

Healthcare Equity: UW Medicine has been at the forefront of assuring safe access to care for all people regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity. The Madison Clinic at Harborview, for example, has been a national innovator in providing comprehensive medical care and social services to people with HIV/AIDS since 1985. Similarly, our Transgender and Gender Non-Binary Health Program provides inclusive and patient-centered healthcare access that is integrated throughout primary, surgical, specialty and mental health services.

Our hospitals are also designated as LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leaders by the Human Rights Campaign based on our policies and practices related to the equity and inclusion of patients, visitors and employees.

Employee Support and Trainings: Our LGBTQIA2S+ Affinity Group meets monthly to provide a supportive space to talk, be heard, connect and celebrate in community within our work environment. The next session will be on Thursday, June 22. See the registration form for details.

As part of our work to be an anti-racist organization, the Office of Healthcare Equity (OHCE) has established an EDI Foundational Training Program that is open to all employees. Through this program, you can gain valuable skills to help you support your coworkers and patients, such as by speaking up in situations where you witness direct or implicit bias or by learning their pronouns and name-in-use. Specialized programs are also available for clinicians and staff who provide patient care and for employees who would like to become EDI Peer Trainers. Please contact OHCE for details.

You can find more information and resources, including our UW Medicine digital assets and posters, at Pride Month on The Huddle. Thank you for helping us create a safe and welcoming health system for all employees and patients.

Sincerely,

Timothy H. Dellit, MD
Interim CEO, UW Medicine
Interim Executive Vice President for Medical Affairs and
Interim Dean of the School of Medicine,
University of Washington

Paula L. Houston, EdD
Chief Equity Officer
Office of Healthcare Equity, UW Medicine
Associate Vice President for Medical Affairs
University of Washington

Cynthia Dold
Interim President, UW Medicine Hospitals & Clinics
Interim Vice President for Medical Affairs,
University of Washington

Jacqueline Cabe
Chief Financial Officer, UW Medicine
Vice President for Medical Affairs,
University of Washington

Ruth Mahan
Chief Business Officer, UW Medicine
Chief of Staff, UW Medicine
Vice President for Medical Affairs,
University of Washington

Anneliese Schleyer, MD
Interim Chief Medical Officer, UW Medicine
Interim Vice President for Medical Affairs,
University of Washington

Don Theophilus
Chief Advancement Officer, UW Medicine
Vice President for Medical Affairs,
University of Washington

Cindy Hecker
Chief Executive Officer
UW Medical Center

Sommer Kleweno Walley
Chief Executive Officer
Harborview Medical Center

Jeannine Erickson Grinnell
Chief Executive Officer
Valley Medical Center

Anthony Dorsch
Executive Director
UW Physicians

Pranika Laing
Interim Associate Vice President/Executive Director
UW Medicine Primary Care and Population Health

Jeff Richey
Executive Director
Airlift Northwest