As the nation celebrates Pride Month, Dignity Health Central Coast Hospitals, including Marian Regional Medical Center, French Hospital Medical Center, and Arroyo Grande Community Hospital have been recognized in the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2024 Healthcare Equality Index (HEI).

“This national recognition from the Human Rights Campaign is a testament to the dedication of our compassionate care teams across the state of California, who are committed to making sure that our LGBTQ+ patients feel welcome, heard, and safe in our care sites every day,” said Julie J. Sprengel, president, California Region.

“I could not be more proud of our teams for being designated HEI leaders and top performers, serving as proof that we are here to make a difference for our diverse communities,” she said.

The HEI is a benchmark survey of healthcare facilities on policies and practices dedicated to the equitable treatment and inclusion of their LGBTQ+ patients, visitors and employees.

The HEI evaluates and scores on detailed criteria in five central pillars: Non-discrimination and Staff Training; Patient Services and Support; Employee Benefits and Policies; Patient and Community Engagement, and Responsible Citizenship.

“The LGBTQ+ community has historically faced challenges in accessing the care they need,” said Sue Anderson, president/CEO, Marian Regional Medical Center. “We value diversity among employees, volunteers, and physicians and believe our difference

“As part of our commitment to providing inclusive care for all, we are dedicated to offering welcoming and compassionate care to our LGBTQ+ patients and their families, and similarities significantly enrich the patient and employee experience, enhance the quality of care we deliver, and benefit the communities we serve.”

In the 2024 report, a record 1,065 healthcare facilities participated in the HEI 2024 survey and scoring process. Of those participants, 384 received the top score of 100, earning the LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader designation.

As part of the HEI process, each hospital underwent a comprehensive review of LGBTQ+ care policies and practices within the organization, including expanded training for staff and clinicians, updated patient forms and processes to better capture preferred pronouns and solicit feedback from LGBTQ+ patients, and clarified wording in employee benefits to be explicitly inclusive of LGBTQ+ employees.

For more, visit https://www.dignityhealth.org/lgbtqcare.