BIDMC Earns 'LGBTQ Healthcare Equality Leader' Designation from Human Rights Campaign Foundation

BOSTON – Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) has been recognized as an "LGBTQ Healthcare Equality Leader" by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation for the 10th consecutive year. The LGBTQ Healthcare Equality designation recognizes health care facilities for promoting equitable and inclusive care for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer patients and their families.

"BIDMC is committed to providing a welcoming, respectful and inclusive environment for all," said Peter J. Healy, President of BIDMC. "It is an honor to be continuously recognized by the Human Rights Campaign for our efforts in supporting the LGBTQ community, including providing equitable care for all, offering LGBTQ health education for staff members, guaranteeing non-discrimination policies for LGBTQ patients and employees and ensuring equal visitation for same-sex partners and parents."

The Health Equality Index is an annual survey conducted by the HRC Foundation, the educational arm of America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for LGBTQ people. The survey scores health care facilities on policies and practices dedicated to the equitable treatment and inclusion of their LGBTQ patients, visitors and employees. To be named a LGBTQ Healthcare Equality Leader, HEI participants are scored in four criteria: foundational elements of LGBTQ patient-centered care, LGBTQ Patient Services and Support, Employee Benefits and Policies, and LGBTQ Patient and Community Engagement.

"The health care facilities participating in the HRC Foundation's Healthcare Equality Index are not only on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic, they are also making it clear from their participation in the HEI that they stand on the side of fairness and are committed to providing inclusive care to their LGBTQ patients," said Alphonso David, President of the HRC. "In addition, many have made strong statements on racial justice and equity and are engaging in efforts to address racial inequities in their institutions and their communities. We commend all of the HEI participants for their commitment to providing inclusive care for all."