UI Health Named 2024 ‘LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality High Performer
Tuesday, May 7, 2024
UI Health has been recognized as an "LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality High Performer" by the Human Rights Campaign's 2024 Health Equality Index (HEI), a survey that evaluates health systems on key criteria for non-discrimination policies and practices. This is the ninth year UI Health has been recognized by the HEI program.
A record 1,065 healthcare facilities participated in the HEI 2024 survey and scoring process. Of those participants, an impressive 462 received the “LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality High Performer” designation.
The HEI evaluates healthcare facilities on detailed criteria falling under four central pillars:
- Foundational policies and training
- LGBTQ+ patient services and support
- Employee benefits and policies
- Patient and community engagement
The progress reflected in the 2024 HEI includes:
- 99% of HEI participants documented that they include both "sexual orientation" and "gender identity" in their patient non-discrimination policy.
- 92% of participating facilities took part in or supported one or more LGBTQ+ related events or initiatives in their service area.
- 82% of facilities earned either the Leader or Top Performer designation.
- 72% of participants have an officially recognized LGBTQ+ employee resource group.
- 71% have an official plan for reducing health disparities that specifically includes LGBTQ+.
- 41% provide comprehensive medical benefits to domestic partners of benefits-eligible employees, up from 34% in 2022. This is represents the first increase in this measure since the 2015 Obergefell decision on same-sex marriage.
To learn more about all our LGBTQ+ inclusive care options, visit LGBTQ.UIHealth.Care.
