The Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC).has recognized three Inland Empire medical facilities as an LGBTQ Health Care Equality Leader.

The hospitals and their designations are:

  • Eisenhower Health in Rancho Mirage earned an “LGBTQ Health Care Equality Top Performer” designation.
  • Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs earned an “LGBTQ Health Care Equality Leader” designation
  • The VA Loma Linda Healthcare System also earned an “LGBTQ Health Care Equality Leader” designation.

“We are proud to have been designated a Top Performer in the Healthcare Equality Index,” says Martin Massiello, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Eisenhower Health. “Not only does the Top Performer recognition underscore our commitment to high quality, equitable and compassionate health care for everyone, but also demonstrates that we are a workplace which fosters diversity and inclusion.”

Michele Finney, CEO of Desert Regional Medical Center, said, “It’s a sincere honor to receive the HRC’s LGBTQ Health Care Equality Leader designation for the sixth consecutive year,” said We strive to provide excellent care to all our patients each day, but receiving this recognition for the care we provide the LGBTQ community is a very special honor.”

It is the sixth consecutive year Desert Regional Medical Center has received the designation.

The designations were  awarded in the 13th edition of HRC’s Healthcare Equality Index (HEI). A record 765 health care facilities actively participated in the HEI 2020 survey. Of those included in the HEI, 193 earned an “LGBTQ Health Care Equality Top Performer” designation.

“Patients measure the quality of their healthcare through the lens of how they are treated.  Everyone deserves access to high-quality care, free from discrimination. We are proud of our diverse and inclusive culture and are honored to have earned the designation as a 2020 LGBTQ Healthcare Equality Leader.” said Karandeep Sraon, VA Loma Linda’s Medical Center Director. “COVID-19 has changed the way we care for our Veterans. Our expectation for safe quality health care is still our number one priority during this pandemic. This designation reassures our Veterans that we are committed to meeting the needs of our LGBTQIA+ Veterans with equitable, knowledgeable, sensitive, and welcoming healthcare.”

From the previously unimaginable impact of the COVID-19 pandemic to the horrific incidents of racial violence targeting the Black community, the events of the past year have brought about so much pain and uncertainty, said HRC President Alphonso David.

“Yet, even during this moment of profound unrest, we are seeing more of our humanity and resilience come to life,” David said. “For me, nowhere is that more true than through the tireless dedication of our health care providers and the intrepid support and administrative staff members by their sides that show up every day to ensure this life-saving work continues.”

The health care facilities participating in the HRC Foundation’s Healthcare Equality Index (HEI) 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, David said.

In the 2020 report, 193 facilities earned the “Top Performer” designation for scoring from 80 to 95 points. With 90% of participating facilities scoring 80 points or more, health care facilities are demonstrating concretely that they are going beyond the basics when it comes to adopting policies and practices in LGBTQ care.

 

 

Image Sources

  • LGBTQ Healthcare: Shutterstock