South San Francisco, CA June 26, 2019 Submitted by Matt Skryja, Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente is marking 25 years as a sponsor of San Francisco Pride this year, testament to its enduring commitment to promoting equity, diversity, and a culture of inclusion, among its employees, physicians and members.
For more than 70 years, the integrated health care system has embraced equity, inclusion, and diversity as a core principle. It has a long and rich legacy of welcoming and serving people of all races, national origins, sexes, ages, faiths, gender identities, and abilities.
“Kaiser Permanente is one of the most diverse organizations in the United States, and we stand together to promote inclusion and tolerance,” added Ron Groepper, senior vice president and area manager for the Kaiser Permanente Greater San Francisco Service Area. “Everyone’s presence at the parade is incredibly important. It means you show up and stand for something.”
Kaiser Permanente participates in Pride events across the country to demonstrate its commitment for our employees and Permanente Medical Group physicians who are part of the LGBTQ community.
“Pride is exemplified not only by one weekend a year, but also by the hard work and achievements of the many supportive companies we partner with,” said San Francisco Pride Executive Director George F. Ridgely, Jr. “Kaiser Permanente has been a valuable partner of SF Pride and we look forward to more generations of strength, resistance, and hope with them by our side.”
This year, Kaiser Permanente was once again recognized by Human Rights Campaign as a “Best Place to Work” for LGBTQ employees. It was also recognized for excellent LGBTQ care in the “Health Care Equality” index. Additionally, Kaiser Permanente has supported the work of non-profit organizations serving the LGBTQ community, including community groups that provide LGBTQ health and HIV services.
A record number of Kaiser Permanente employees are expected to walk in this year’s Pride Parade, including employees, physicians, family members, and friends.
“Kaiser Permanente celebrates Pride every day by providing equitable, compassionate, and high-quality care to our LGBTQ members and their families,” said Randy Wittorp, public affairs director, Kaiser Permanente San Francisco. “We believe everyone deserves the right to live their truth, love out loud, and Thrive their way. We give love to our community and take pride in calling it home.”
About Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.3 million members in eight states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education and the support of community health. For more information go to https://about.kaiserpermanente.org/.