Human Rights Campaign releases annual healthcare equality index

YNHHS recognized and honored for LGBTQ Inclusion

New Haven, CT (March 28, 2018) – Three Yale New Haven Health (YNHHS) hospitals have been honored and recognized by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC) in the 11th edition of its annual Healthcare Equality Index (HEI), that scores healthcare facilities on policies and practices dedicated to the equitable treatment and inclusion of their LGBTQ patients, visitors and employees. Bridgeport, Greenwich and Yale New Haven hospitals have all again received the designation.

“It is truly an honor to partner with the Human Rights Campaign in completing the Health Equality Index,” said Lisette Martinez, chief diversity officer for Yale New Haven Health. “This partnership is critical in our learning and making connections with our colleagues and our community. We are committed to equity for all and participating in this annual survey helps us with our journey as we grow and learn to become true agents of change.”

The 11th edition of the HEI marks the second year that participants have been given a numerical score based on their LGBTQ-inclusive policies and practices. HEI participants are assessed on four criteria: LGBTQ Patient-Centered Care, LGBTQ Patient Services and Support, Employee Benefits and Policies, and LGBTQ Patient and Community Engagement. A record 626 healthcare facilities actively participated in this year’s survey, committing to LGBTQ-inclusive policies and practices. “The Health Equality Index is the leader in helping us become stronger in building relationships made of familiarity, comfort and most of all trust,” added Martinez. “The HEI is an important part of our strategy for our health system and the work that we do together creates an environment that is ready to serve our patients and loves ones.”

Yale New Haven Health (YNHHS), the largest and most comprehensive healthcare system in Connecticut, is recognized for advanced clinical care, quality, service, cost effectiveness and commitment to improving the health status of the communities it serves. YNHHS includes five hospitals – Bridgeport, Greenwich, Lawrence + Memorial, Westerly and Yale New Haven hospitals, several specialty networks and Northeast Medical Group, a non-profit medical foundation with several hundred community-based and hospital-employed physicians. YNHHS is affiliated with Yale University and Yale Medicine, the clinical practice of the Yale School of Medicine and the largest academic multi-specialty practice in New England. Yale New Haven Hospital is the primary teaching hospital of Yale School of Medicine. www.ynhhs.org