Healthcare Equality Index 2020

Promoting Equitable and Inclusive Care for LGBTQ Patients and Their Families

In its 13th year, the Healthcare Equality Index (HEI) is the national LGBTQ benchmarking tool that evaluates healthcare facilities' policies and practices related to the equity and inclusion of their LGBTQ patients, visitors and employees. The HEI 2020 evaluates more than 1,700 healthcare facilities nationwide.

Ever year, we recognize the health care facilities that participate in the HEI for their dedication and commitment to LGBTQ inclusion. This year, however, we must also extend our deepest gratitude to these facilities for their courageous fight against COVID-19 and their commitment to addressing racism and injustice.

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Healthcare Equality Index 2020

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To our Heroes on the Frontlines...

White Coats for Black Lives HEI 2020 — White Coats for Black Lives

As the final HEI surveys were submitted in March 2020, health care facilities were kicking into overdrive to meet the challenges of COVID-19. Many faced a lack of equipment, staffing shortages, and surging demand unlike anything they’d ever seen. Two months later, as the fight against COVID-19 continued, George Floyd’s murder by police officers thrust America’s structural racism into the spotlight.

HEI participants issued strong statements on racial justice and equity, participated in White Coats for Black Lives demonstrations, and announced new programs to address racial inequities in their institutions and their communities--all while working with HRC to review their LGBTQ inclusivity.

In mid-April, nearly 5,000 of HRC's members and supports signed on to our Thank You Statement to the Heroes on the Front Lines of COVID-19. Throughout this page you will see quotes from the HRC community thanking our healthcare heroes.

Healthcare workers demonstrate the best of American values, equal treatment for all. You model this even as your own lives are in danger. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Julie, Dover, MA

Healthcare Providers at St. Charles Health System

Moving LGBTQ Healthcare Equality Forward

The HRC Foundation's Healthcare Equality Index continues to show incredible growth in the number of healthcare institutions that are embracing and adopting LGBTQ-inclusive Policies and practices.

A record 765 healthcare facilities actively participated in the HEI 2020 Survey.

495 Leaders

In the HEI 2020, 495 healthcare facilities acheived a top score of 100 and earned the coveted "Leader in LGBTQ Healthcare Equality" designation.

193 Top Performers

Another 193 facilities scored 80-95 points in the HEI 2020 and eared the designation of "Top Performer."

92% of this year's participants met the HEI staff training requirement

90% of participating facilities earned a score of 80 or higher

Thank you so much for protecting us with your healing hands (medical caregivers, nurses, doctors and all in the medical field) and deliveries (grocery and retail chains). We would all be lost without you and you continue to give those of us at home hope and courage for perseverance.

Kanwaldeep, Glen Oaks, NY

Improving Care and Support for LGBTQ Patients

Participating healthcare facilities recognize the importance of implementing LGBTQ-inclusive practices alongside their foundational non-discrimination policies.

The needs of the LGBTQ community as a whole must be considered in the provision of care, treatment, and services. This includes practices like creating committees to review LGBTQ patient care, allowing patients to self-identify in electronic health records and creating guidelines for providers about transgender patient interactions, to name a few.

75% of participating facilities have an internal committee focused on LGBTQ patient care issues

53% of participating facilities have policies that specifically outline procedures to ensuring appropriate, welcoming interactions with transgender patients

87% of participating facilities collect patient gender identity data in their EHR

90% of participating facilities have all gender restrooms in their facility or have clearly posted signage that allows individuals to use the restrooms that align with their gender identity

Achieving a Healthier, Stronger Workforce

LGBTQ Employees of healthcare organizations play a vital role in ensuring LGBTQ patient-centered care by informally educating co-workers about patient concerns, offering feedback about organizational policies and practices, and conveying to the local community the organization's commitment to equality and inclusion.

It is critical that LGBTQ employees, like LGBTQ patients, receive equal treatment, particularly regarding health-related benefits and policies.

80% of participating facilities offer transition-related healthcare coverage

53% of participating facilities have an officially recognized LGBTQ employee resource group

55% of participating facilities have written gender transition guidelines documenting supportive polices and practices on issues pertinent to a workplace gender transition

I'm 75. I'm gay. I'm at risk for this virus. Thank you for being out there. You did it for my partner and me when AIDS was at its worst. You're doing it again. What words could I say that would tell you how much you have touched my heart... again.

Jerry, Houston, TX

Demonstrating public commitments to the LGBTQ Community

Healthcare organizations worked to welcome LGBTQ people in their local community through community engagement. In fact, 91% of participating facilities took part in or supported LGBTQ-related events in their service area.