UVA Health University Medical Center has received the LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader award from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation for its commitment to providing equal treatment to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals. The medical center received a perfect score of 100 on the foundation’s 2024 Healthcare Equality Index.
As CEO of UVA Health University Medical Center, Wendy Horton stated that the organization’s strategic plan includes creating healthy communities where everyone feels a sense of belonging. This award from the Human Rights Campaign reflects their dedication to fostering inclusivity and support for all patients, visitors, and team members.
The Human Rights Campaign evaluates hospitals based on policies and practices that promote LGBTQ+ inclusion in four key areas: policies and training in LGBTQ+ inclusive care, patient services and support, employee benefits and policies, and patient and community engagement. UVA Health University Medical Center has demonstrated progress in all these areas with a focus on making the health system a welcoming environment for all individuals.
Tracy M. Downs, chief diversity & community engagement officer at UVA Health emphasized the medical center’s commitment to ensuring that everyone feels welcomed and supported. They will continue to actively seek ways to promote inclusivity and belonging for all individuals within the UVA Health community.
