UF Health Jacksonville has been recognized as an LGBTQ Healthcare Equality Leader by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation in its 2019 Healthcare Equality Index report.

The HEI evaluates and scores health care facilities’ policies and practices related to equity and inclusion of their LGBTQ patients, visitors and employees across the nation. Facilities earning the maximum score in each category and a total score of 100 points receive HRC’s prestigious LGBTQ Healthcare Equality Leader designation. This is the first year UF Health Jacksonville has applied to be evaluated by the HRC Foundation.

“We are incredibly proud to have earned the top designation from HRC on our first year of active evaluation,” said Leon L. Haley Jr., MD, MHSA, CEO of UF Health Jacksonville. “This reflects our ongoing commitment to providing compassionate and inclusive care for all patients and their families, as well as offering a welcoming and supportive work environment that values diversity.”

For 2019, the HEI scoring criteria included a higher benchmark. In order to earn the top score of 100, participating facilities were evaluated on their patient non-discrimination policies, inclusivity training for staff, LGBTQ patient services and support, and employee benefits and policies.

In addition to being a valuable tool and resource for health care organizations, the Healthcare Equality Index is used by LGBTQ patients and their families to find facilities that provide equitable and inclusive care.

The HRC Foundation is the educational arm of the Human Rights Campaign, the largest national civil rights organization working to achieve equality for LGBTQ people. For more information about the forthcoming 2019 Healthcare Equality Index, visit the Human Rights Campaign homepage.