The University of Toledo Medical Center has again been recognized as an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation.
UTMC was among the first healthcare providers in the country to participate in the nationwide Healthcare Equality Index and has continued to receive the top distinction in every survey since 2012.
“We are proud to again be designated as a leader in LGBTQA+ healthcare equality,” UTMC CEO Rick Swaine said. “Every patient and employee deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. This award recognizes UTMC’s commitment to the equitable treatment and inclusion of everyone who walks through our doors.”
The Healthcare Equality Index evaluates and scores healthcare facilities for their foundational policies and training in LGBTQA+ patient-centered care, LGBTQA+ patient services and support, employee policies and benefits, and patient and community engagement.
UTMC was one of 17 facilities in Ohio to receive the top score of 100 and the only location in the Toledo region.
“The Healthcare Equality Index, at its core, strives to ensure LGBTQ+ people are protected and affirmed by their healthcare providers and feel safe seeking services,” said Tari Hanneman, director of health and aging at the Human Rights Campaign. “Our HEI active participants are truly pioneering the healthcare industry by implementing robust, comprehensive LGBTQ+ inclusive policies that hopefully, because of their work, will become standard practice.”
In addition to being a valuable tool and resource for healthcare facilities, the Health Equality Index is used by LGBTQ+ patients and their loved ones to find facilities that provide equitable and inclusive care.
A record 906 healthcare facilities participated in this year’s survey. Of those, nearly 500 received the LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader designation.
