UCLA Health received a top score and the designation of “LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader” in an annual assessment by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. The organization’s Healthcare Equality Index (HEI) is a LGBTQ+ benchmarking tool that looks at healthcare facilities' policies and practices related to the equitable treatment of their LGBTQ+ patients, visitors and employees.
“All patients, employees and visitors deserve to be treated equitably with respect and dignity,” said Medell Briggs-Malonson, MD, MPH, MSHS, Chief of Health Equity, Diversity and Inclusion for the UCLA Health and associate professor of emergency medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. “This recognition reflects our prioritization of practices, programs and policies that foster an inclusive and affirming environment for all and meet the unique needs of our LGBTQ+ patients, families and employees.”
Of the 1,065 healthcare facilities surveyed, UCLA Health was one of 384 to receive the maximum score in each of four areas and earn the equality leader designation:
- Non-discrimination and staff training;
- Patient services and support;
- Employee benefits and policies; and,
- Patient and community engagement
UCLA Health has a breadth of LGBTQ+ affirming programs including the Gender Health Program, EMPWR Program, LGBTQ+ Champion designation for physicians, and an annual presence at community events including LA Pride and WeHo Pride. Through these efforts, UCLA Health continues to expand access, promote health and wellness, and advocate for high-quality, science-driven health care for everyone.
