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 11th consecutive year. The Healthcare Equality Index designation recognizes health care facilities for promoting equitable and inclusive care for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer patients and their families.

“Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center is honored to be continuously recognized by the Human Rights Campaign for efforts in supporting our LGBTQ+ employees, patients and families,” said Peter Healy, president of BIDMC. “It is important that our policies and practices reflect our deep commitment to providing equitable care and an inclusive environment for all.”

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.

“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.”