Healthcare Equality Index: 2009 Statements from Top Performers

Brigham and Women's Hospital

Dr. Michael Gustafson, senior vice president of Clinical Excellence, Brigham and Women’s Hospital

"We at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston are thrilled to have participated in the HEI survey in 2009, and we vigorously embrace the commitment to inclusion and diversity in healthcare that it embodies. And while we are proud of our perfect HEI score, we are equally gratified that the process of self-assessment has stimulated significant new quality improvement activity to further bolster our care policies and practices for both GLBT patients and our GLBT staff."

Callen-Lorde Community Health Center

Wendy Stark, executive director, Callen-Lorde Community Health Center

"Callen-Lorde Community Health Center is proud to remain true to its mission – which is as important today as it was 40 years ago when the LGBT health movement began - of providing healthcare services targeted to LGBT populations. LGBT and all underserved people deserve more than protection from discrimination; Callen-Lorde strives to create an environment that affirms humanity and individuality, inspiring people to recognize and honor the value of their lives and health. We believe respectful, empowering, informed healthcare can serve to transform and strengthen communities and create a healthier environment for all."

Chase Brexton Health Services Inc.

David Shippee, chief executive officer, Chase Brexton Health Services Inc.

"Chase Brexton Health Services supports the use of the Healthcare Equality Index. We believe it is both a tool to help LGBT consumers find the kind of healthcare they need and an incentive for healthcare institutions to improve the quality of the services provided to this population. For more than 30 years, our LGBT patients have expected to meet with knowledgeable providers in an open and affirming environment. Though Chase Brexton has grown to serve an increasingly diverse population, our high score on the Healthcare Equality Index provides welcomed confirmation that we are still on track with our goal of meeting the healthcare needs of the LGBT community."

Group Health Central Hospital

Peter Morgan, executive vice president, Group Health Medical Centers

"Group Health is proud to have participated in the Healthcare Equality Index in both 2008 and 2009 and pleased to be among those medical systems from across the country with high scores. We realize that there is always room for improvement and appreciate the focus the index is bringing to the issue. Healthcare equality for our LGBT members is essential and is part of the civil rights issue of our times."

Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates

Dr. Gene Lindsey, president and chief executive officer, Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates

"Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates is very proud to be among the 10 organizations nationwide meeting all the standards of the Healthcare Equality Index survey. A cornerstone value of our medical practice has always been to deliver patient-centered care, to seek to know our patients as individuals, and offer them compassionate care that respects their unique needs. We support the work of the Human Rights Campaign and the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association in their efforts to reduce discrimination and ensure quality health care for the LGBT community."

Rush University Medical Center

Larry J. Goodman, MD, president and chief executive officer, Rush University Medical Center

“Through all sectors of our medical center and university, the Rush focus is on patient-centered healthcare and education that promote our strong commitment to a culture of inclusion. An important part of this commitment and of our Rush Diversity Leadership Initiative is serving the healthcare needs of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities and creating a welcoming and supportive environment. We are pleased to be recognized as a “top performer” in the 2009 Healthcare Equality Index Survey and look forward to continuing to work with the Human Rights Campaign and the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association as we strengthen current efforts and develop new programs.”

UCSF Medical Center

Mark Laret, chief executive officer, UCSF Medical Center

"We were delighted to learn that the UCSF Medical Center has once again met every criterion of the LGBT Healthcare Equality Index. We take great pride in the fact that UCSF is a national leader in LGBT healthcare equality, for patients and employees alike. LGBT equality is very important to us at UCSF, and the HEI performs an invaluable service in bringing it to the attention of healthcare facilities around the nation."