By Courtney Thomas—
Muncie hospital is one of only 4 hospitals statewide and 495 healthcare providers nationwide to earn the LGBTQ Healthcare Equality Leader designation
Muncie, IN– IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital announced that it has achieved LGBTQ Healthcare Equality Leader designation from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC) for the ninth consecutive year. IU Health Ball was the first hospital in Indiana to earn the LGBTQ Healthcare Equality Leader designation in 2012.
The designation was awarded in the 13th edition of HRC’s Healthcare Equality Index (HEI). A record 765 healthcare facilities actively participated in the HEI 2020 survey. Of those included in the HEI, 495 earned an LGBTQ Healthcare Equality Leader designation.
“This recognition continues to be particularly important to our culture as a healthcare organization,” said Ann McGuire, Vice President of Human Resources for Indiana University Health’s East Central Region. “We are committed to making sure that every person who walks through our doors is treated with respect and receives the individualized, compassionate care that they need.”
“From the previously unimaginable impact of the COVID-19 pandemic to the horrific incidents of racial violence targeting the Black community, the events of the past year have brought about so much pain and uncertainty,” said HRC President Alphonso David.
“Yet, even during this moment of profound unrest, we are seeing more of our humanity and resilience come to life. For me, nowhere is that more true than through the tireless dedication of our healthcare providers and the intrepid support and administrative staff members by their sides that show up every day to ensure this life-saving work continues. The healthcare facilities participating in the HRC Foundation’s Healthcare Equality Index (HEI) are not only on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic, they are also making it clear from their participation in the HEI that they stand on the side of fairness and are committed to providing inclusive care to their LGBTQ patients. In addition, many have made strong statements on racial justice and equity and are engaging in efforts to address racial inequities in their institutions and their communities. We commend all of the HEI participants for their commitment to providing inclusive care for all.”
Every year, HRC recognizes the healthcare facilities that participate in the HEI for their dedication and commitment to LGBTQ inclusion. HRC also extends its deepest gratitude to these facilities for their courageous fight against COVID-19 and their commitment to addressing racism and injustice. As the final HEI surveys were submitted in March, healthcare facilities were kicking into overdrive to meet the challenges of COVID-19. Many faced a lack of equipment, staffing shortages and surging demand. Two months later, as the fight against COVID-19 continued, the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor by police officers thrust America’s structural racism into the spotlight. HEI participants issued strong statements on racial justice and equity, participated in White Coats for Black Lives demonstrations and announced new programs to address racial inequities in their institutions and their communities.
In the 2020 report, an impressive 495 facilities earned HRC’s LGBTQ Healthcare Equality Leader designation, receiving the maximum score in each section and earning an overall score of 100. Another 193 facilities earned the Top Performer designation for scoring from 80 to 95 points. With 90% of participating facilities scoring 80 points or more, healthcare facilities are demonstrating concretely that they are going beyond the basics when it comes to adopting policies and practices in LGBTQ care.
The remarkable progress reflected in the 2020 HEI includes:
- 92% of participants met the HEI’s training requirements, completing more than 150,000 hours of staff training in LGBTQ patient-centered care.
- 99% of HEI participants documented that they include both “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” in their patient non-discrimination policy.
- 99% of HEI participants documented that they include both “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” in their employment nondiscrimination policy.
- 53% of HEI participants indicated that their facility has a policy or policies that specifically outline procedures and practices aimed at eliminating bias and insensitivity, and ensuring appropriate, welcoming interactions with transgender patients.
- After many years of trailing their corporate counterparts in the provision of transgender-inclusive healthcare benefits for employees, HEI participating healthcare facilities are nearly on par with the HRC Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index (CEI) participants as 80% have at least one healthcare plan that offered this benefit. The latest CEI noted 85% of participants having such benefits.
”Our promise is to always deliver the best care possible,” said McGuire. “In order to do so, we must ensure all people feel safe to seek medical treatment in our facilities and are confident that they are receiving the highest quality of care for their individual needs.”
About Indiana University Health Ball Memorial Hospital
IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital serves as a tertiary referral center and teaching hospital for East Central Indiana and part of Indiana University Health. IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital is accredited by the Joint Commission and maintains 1.2 million square feet of facilities. It is part of an elite group of hospitals with Magnet designation for nursing excellence. More than 17,700 patients are admitted every year and more than 300,000 outpatient procedures are completed annually. Jeff Bird, MD, is President. Learn more at iuhealth.org/ball-memorial.
About the Human Rights Campaign Foundation
The Human Rights Campaign Foundation is education arm of America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people. HRC envisions a world where LGBTQ people are embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community.
