Presbyterian named LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader

Presbyterian Healthcare Services earned the top score of 100 and was designated an “LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader” in the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's 15th annual Healthcare Equality Index (HEI).

HEI evaluates healthcare facilities on policies and practices dedicated to the equitable treatment and inclusion of LGBTQ+ patients, visitors and employees.

“Every person deserves to feel safe and respected when seeking health care,” said Dr. Jason Mitchell, chief medical officer, Presbyterian Healthcare Services. “At Presbyterian, our policies, procedures and people reflect our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. We are honored to be among an elite group of LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leaders across the country.”

To demonstrate that they are going beyond the basics when it comes to adopting policies and practices in LGBTQ+ care, facilities are evaluated on detailed criteria in four central pillars:

• Foundational Policies and Training in LGBTQ+ Patient-Centered Care;

• LGBTQ+ Patient Services and Support;

• Employee Benefits and Policies; and,

• Patient and Community Engagement.

“Every person deserves to have access to quality healthcare, be respected and heard by their doctor, and feel safe in the facility where they are receiving care. But LGBTQ+ people are often subject to discrimination in all spaces, including healthcare facilities, which leads to members of the community avoiding care and anticipating our voices will not be respected in an incredibly vulnerable environment,” said Tari Hanneman, Director of Health & Aging at The Human Rights Campaign. “The Healthcare Equality Index, at its core, strives to ensure LGBTQ+ people are protected and affirmed by their healthcare providers and feel safe seeking services. Our HEI active participants are truly pioneering the healthcare industry by implementing robust, comprehensive LGBTQ+ inclusive policies that hopefully, because of their work, will become standard practice.”

This year, 906 healthcare facilities actively participated in the survey. Presbyterian was among 496 organizations to receive a maximum score in each section and earn the “LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader” designation. Presbyterian’s systemwide focus on improving health equity in our community is led by the Presbyterian Community Health team and our Chief Inclusion and Diversity Officer. Learn more about Inclusion, Diversity and Equity and our Commitment to Health Equity at Presbyterian.