Indianapolis, Sept. 9, 2020 – The Sidney & Lois Eskenazi Hospital and Eskenazi Health downtown campus was recently recognized as a Leader in LGBTQ Healthcare Equality by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation.

This is the fifth time Eskenazi Health has earned this distinction. These findings were included in an annual survey conducted by the HRC Foundation. The survey evaluates inclusive policies and practices related to LGBTQ patients, visitors and employees. Eskenazi Health is one of four health care systems in Indiana receiving top recognition by the HRC and one of only two in Indianapolis. The other is the VA Richard L. Roudebush Medical Center. A record 765 health care facilities actively participated in the HEI 2020 survey. Of those included in the HEI, 495 earned an “LGBTQ health care Equality Leader” designation.

“The care facilities participating in the HRC Foundation’s Healthcare Equality Index (HEI) are not only on the frontlines 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,” said HRC President Alphonso David. “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 health care facilities that participate in the HEI for their dedication and commitment to LGBTQ inclusion. The HRC also extended its gratitude to these facilities for their courageous fight against COVID-19 and their commitment to addressing racism and injustice.

In 2016, the Eskenazi Health Gender Health Program began serving patients and provides primary care services for adult transgender patients – both male and female. The staff includes primary care physicians, surgeon, licensed practical nurse (LPN), social worker and patient care coordinator. Eskenazi Health is also an annual participant in the Circle City IN Pride parade and festival and other events celebrating diversity and inclusion.

For more information about the Healthcare Equality Index 2020, or to download a free copy of the report, please click here. https://hrc-prod-requests.s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/resources/HEI-2020-FinalReport.pdf

The HRC Foundation is the 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.

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CONTACT: Tom Surber
Phone: 317.880.4793
Cell: 317.402.9327
Email: thomas.surber@eskenazihealth.edu