Blue Cross certifies first pediatric practice as LGBTQ Safe Zone

PROVIDENCE – An East Providence pediatrics practice is the latest addition to Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island’s list of LGBTQ Safe Zones.

Coastal Medical Waterman Pediatrics has joined nearly three dozen health care providers that have earned the designation across the state.

Waterman Pediatrics is the first pediatric primary care practice to be included in Blue Cross’ Safe Zones program.

“We want kids and teens to know that when they see the Safe Zone logo on the door at Waterman Pediatrics, they will receive compassionate, affirming care and that we have resources at the ready for both patients and their families,” said Dr. Elizabeth Lange of Coastal Medical Waterman Pediatrics. “We know that school can be especially challenging for LGBTQ youth as well, so we have developed inclusive communications to schools, providing the patient’s name if it differs from their legal name in letters to the school.”

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The statewide Safe Zones program includes health, behavioral health care and dental services for older people and groups that work with victims of sexual assault and domestic violence.

Certification requires training on the care of LGBTQ patients, protection for patients and staff from discrimination on gender identity or expression, gender neutral bathrooms and inclusive forms and procedures.

“The Safe Zone program was created to help address the historical challenges the LGBTQ community has encountered in obtaining health care,” said Jenny Bautista-Ravreby, Blue Cross diversity, equity and inclusion manager. “We are so glad to add Waterman Pediatrics to our list of safe and inclusive organizations because we know that in many cases, LGBTQ youth face an even greater risk for negative health outcomes and severe threats to their physical and mental health and well-being than LGBTQ adults do.”

Elizabeth Graham is a PBN contributing writer.