BIDMC Earns “LGBTQ Healthcare Equality Leader” Designation in Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Healthcare Equality Index

Chloe Meck (BIDMC Communications) cmeck@bidmc.harvard.edu, 617-667-7367

SEPTEMBER 04, 2019

HEI 2019 BOSTON – Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) has been recognized as a leader in “LGBTQ Healthcare Equality” by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation for the 9th consecutive year. The designation was awarded in the 12th edition of the Healthcare Equality Index (HEI).

The Health Equality Index is an annual survey conducted by the Human Rights Campaign (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.

“It is an honor to be continuously recognized by the Human Rights Campaign for our dedication to providing a welcoming, respectful and inclusive environment for all,” said Peter Healy, President of BIDMC. “BIDMC has a strong legacy of supporting the LGBTQ community, including providing equitable care for all, implementing non-discrimination policies for LGBTQ patients and employees, having a guarantee of equal visitation for same-sex partners and parents, and offering LGBTQ health education for staff members.”

A record 680 health care facilities actively participated in the HEI 2019 survey, with HRC Foundation proactively researching key policies at 1,000 additional non-participating hospitals. Of those included in the HEI, 406 earned a “LGBTQ Healthcare Equality Leader” designation.

“The health care facilities that participate in Human Rights Campaign’s Healthcare Equality Index are making clear that they stand on the side of fairness and are committed to providing inclusive care to their LGBTQ patients,” said Human Rights Campaign President Alphonso David. “Going beyond inclusive non-discrimination policies, these health care facilities are adopting best practices in the areas of LGBTQ patient care and support, employee policies and benefits, and LGBTQ patient and community engagement. We commend all of the HEI participants for their commitment to providing inclusive care for all.”

About Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center is a leading academic medical center, where extraordinary care is supported by high-quality education and research. BIDMC is a teaching affiliate of Harvard Medical School, and consistently ranks as a national leader among independent hospitals in National Institutes of Health funding. BIDMC is the official hospital of the Boston Red Sox.

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center is a part of Beth Israel Lahey Health, a health care system that brings together academic medical centers and teaching hospitals, community and specialty hospitals, more than 4,700 physicians and 39,000 employees in a shared mission to expand access to great care and advance the science and practice of medicine through groundbreaking research and education.