Presbyterian hospitals named high performers in HEI

In recognition of their achievement in promoting equitable and inclusive care for LGBTQ+ patients and their families, all nine Presbyterian Healthcare Services’ hospitals have been awarded the “LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality High Performer” designation from the Human Right’s Campaign Foundation’s Healthcare Equality Index (HEI). This is the highest designation awarded to a New Mexico facility for HEI 2024.

A record 1,065 healthcare facilities actively participated in the HEI 2024 survey, including 12 in New Mexico. More information is available in the HEI 2024 Participant Map. Presbyterian Hospital has been recognized as an HEI high performer since 2019.

“At Presbyterian, we strive to create an environment where every person can feel safe and respected when seeking and providing care,” said Dr. Jason Mitchell, chief medical and clinical transformation officer. “I could not be prouder of the work our teams are doing to advocate diversity, equity and inclusion.”

The HEI evaluates healthcare facilities on policies and practices dedicated to the equitable treatment and inclusion of LGBTQ+ patients, visitors and employees. The survey is completed bi-annually and rates healthcare facilities on LGBTQ+ supportive policies and best practices across 66 questions in four key areas: Non-Discrimination and Staff Training; Patient Services and Support; Employee Benefits and Policies; and Patient and Community Engagement.

“LGBTQ+ people and their loved ones are looking for healthcare providers to offer and champion fully inclusive services,” said Kelley Robinson, President of the Human Rights Campaign. “The Healthcare Equality Index is helping people find facilities where welcoming policies and practices are the standard.”

Presbyterian’s system wide focus on improving health equity in our community is led by Presbyterian Community Health. To learn more about our commitment to health equity at Presbyterian, visit phs.org.