Group Health has joined other local Northwest companies in signing a letter to legislative leaders and Gov. Chris Gregoire in supporting gay marriage legislation (SB 6239) that will be debated during the current legislative session. Other organizations that signed the letter included Vulcan, Nike, RealNetworks, Concur, and Microsoft.
I believe the support for committed couples is part of respecting our staff and our patients. Respect for all people is a core value of Group Health. Inclusion and equality help build a workforce that reflects and can support the diverse needs of the patients we serve.
“We support our people, both our staff and our patients, and we also support human rights as guaranteed to all citizens of this country,” said Michael Soman, MD, Chief Medical Executive Officer, and President of Group Health Physicians. “Close collaboration and respect, with our colleagues and our patients, are critical to creating better health for individuals and communities.”
Group Health’s position builds on its history of supporting corporate and public policies that promote inclusion and equality. Group Health was recently recognized in the Healthcare Equality Index for its leadership in meeting high-quality standards in serving the LGBT community in its 25 statewide medical centers. The standards include some basic services such as visitation rights and patient non-discrimination policies
Thank you!
Hey, Scott!
Thank you for taking a stand on this issue. It validates our LGBT colleagues and coworkers at Group Health, and is yet another reason why I am proud to be a part of our organization.
this is awesome and thank you
One more reason why I love being a GH employee and a life-long patient.
Group Health certainly does not speak for all its members on this issue. There are those of us who see the homosexual lifestyle as wrong and extremely unhealthy. If past history in other areas of the country holds true, activists will challenge the religious exemption in court and we will see even more erosion of our religious freedoms. Group Health is within its rights to speak on health care issues, but not on social and moral issues.
Love to support; a loving family is a foundational human right in my opinion.
Thank you, Scott and Group Health, for supporting this bill. All the more reason to love GHC.
Once again I am proud of our organization and it’s commitment to all people
I am very disappointed in your stance on this issue. Human rights are expected to be honored in our society, and legislation that would give committed same-sex partners the same legal rights as those enjoyed by a traditional marriage is very appropriate, in my view. However, marriage between a man and a woman is ordained by God, as evidenced in scripture. There is no refuting that. The question then is, from what value system is Group Health making this decision?
I’m proud to be associated with this courageous, honorable organization.
Scott and GHC – you still inspire some of ex-pats. Keep blazing the trail.
I feel proud to work for such a progressive organization! I believe that history is still unfolding for civil rights and someday in the near future we will look back and recall a time when people were not offered the same rights. If there is not equality for all how can any of us truly be considered equal? Since I married my wonderful Husband I look around at my friends that cannot do the same under the current law with their commited partners. Who are we as a society to deny anyone of this? It is discrimination pure and simple.
The time has come.
YEAH GROUP HEALTH – One of the best parts about working here is that Group Health does the right thing. There will be some FABULOUS weddings!
Thank you Group Health! Religion is not part of the care we provide. However, equality and respect is. I applaud you for making everyone feel welcome.
Well said!
It’s a sad day when a ‘health care’ organization would stand in support of not only a cultural lifestyle choice but a known unhealthy one at that. The lifestyle choice is one thing, it’s another to consider the astronomical health costs related to the abnormality. Embracing it doesn’t change that fact, it only ensures that ‘all’ health care costs will rise and those choosing healthier lifestyles will end up picking up the larger tab.
This ‘bill’ as it were is providing special rights and if the public has their say, hopefully they can turn back this abomination in Olympia.
Group ‘Health’, stay out of the culture war and focus on health and healthy lifestyle choices, not ones that historically have been detrimental to the health and well being of society.