Spectrum Health is converting single-occupant restrooms in Grand Rapids to be gender neutral – MLive.com
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Spectrum Health is working to create a more welcoming environment for all staff members, patients and visitors who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ).
The West Michigan health care giant is converting all single-occupant restrooms in its downtown Grand Rapids facilities from gender assigned to gender-neutral spaces, according to a Monday, June 28 news release.
All-gender restroom signage will be installed in more than 300 single-stall restrooms at Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital over the coming months.
Inclusive restroom signs will later be installed at other Spectrum Health facilities on the Medical Mile, including 25 Michigan St., 35 Michigan St., 145 Michigan St. and 221 Michigan St., according to the release.
“Spectrum Health is looking to celebrate this progress as one more step in being a gender-affirming organization,” said Darryl Elmouchi, president of Spectrum Health West Michigan.
“We are hopeful that this initiative will provide the LGBTQI+ community and their loved ones and supporters with a more welcoming, positive experience.”
Spectrum Health officials cited guidance from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration, which advises that the best workplace policies provide single-occupancy, gender-neutral restroom facilities.
A lack of affirming spaces can also negatively impact the mental health of people in the LGBTQ community, creating greater distress and lower job satisfaction, Spectrum Health officials said.
June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month. Earlier this month, Spectrum Health offered a mobile mammography clinic that was specifically intended for members of the LGBTQ community. The June 12 clinic included staff from the Spectrum Health Cancer Center who were familiar with the LGBTQ community and their health care needs.
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