Melissa Allen became involved with the LGBTQ community after seeing how her daughter was labeled and how that made her feel.

Story by: Tracy Keller on June 20, 2019

NPride, Norton Healthcare’s LGBTQ employee resource group, celebrates Pride Month by recognizing a few of our notable employee members.

For some, finding their voice takes being touched directly by the LGBTQ community. Melissa Allen, manager, Norton Heart & Vascular Institute Heart Rhythm Center, became involved with the LGBTQ community after seeing how her daughter was labeled and how that made her feel.

“I have seen how it affected her,” Melissa said. “As a mother, you want your child to be happy. She was very shy and didn’t know how she would be treated by family and society. I am excited to see the change towards acceptance.”

Melissa knows there are both patients and employees who may be hesitant to share their sexual orientation because of concerns of being mistreated. Working in health care, Melissa also knows this can lead to negative patient outcomes. However, Norton Healthcare has both employee and patient nondiscrimination policies that include the protection of “sexual orientation” and “gender identity.”

“I feel it is important to treat employees and patients like you would treat your family — with respect and compassion,” Melissa said. “As a leader, I feel strongly about these values and hold my staff accountable for their interactions with co-workers and patients. I believe this is the Norton Way.”

NPride, Norton Healthcare’s LGBTQ employee resource group, is open to allies who want to use their voice to support others.