2018 marks the third consecutive year that UAB Medicine has been named a Leader in LGBTQ Healthcare Equality by the Healthcare Equity Index.

The Healthcare Equity Index (HEI) is a unique annual survey admnistered by the Human Rights Campaign that promotes and encourages inclusive crare for LGBTQ people in healthcare facilities across the United States. A record 626 healthcare facilities actively participated in the 2018 HEI survey. In addition, the HEI includes ratings from 901 hospitals that the Human Rights Campaign Foundation independently researched on behalf of LGBTQ patients to ascertain their existing policies. 

In order to be named a "Leader in LGBTQ Healthcare Equity," a facility needs to receive a score of 100 points. Facilities receive points for meeting specific requirements and by having a certain number of best practices and policies in place. 

The four core objectives of the HEI are to:

• Ensure foundational protection for patients, visitors, and staff in patient and staff policies, and provide cultural competency training on LGBTQ inclusion

• Demonstrate progress toward inclusion on LGBTQ patient care and support

• Cultivate an inclusive workforce by providing LGBTQ-inclusive employee support and benefits

• Demonstrate public commitment to the LGBTQ community

UAB Medicine will celebrate this achievement with a reception on May 30, 2018, from 4:00 - 5:00 pm in the North Pavilion Atrium first floor.