UC Davis Medical Center has been re-designated as an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation as part of the group's Healthcare Equality Index (HEI).
This is the 13th consecutive year the foundation has recognized UC Davis Health for advancing LGBTQ+ equity among its patients and employees. The Human Rights Campaign Foundation is the educational arm of the Human Rights Campaign, America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) people.
"We are proud to again be named a national leader in LGBTQ+ care," said Hendry Ton, associate vice chancellor for Health Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at UC Davis Health. "This recognition reaffirms our deep commitment to honor and serve our LGBTQ+ patients, employees, and communities."
Of the record 1,065 healthcare facilities that participated in the HEI 2024 survey and scoring process, UC Davis Health was one of just 384 that received the top score of 100 to earn the "LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader" designation.
HEI survey participants are scored on criteria that includes:
- Foundational elements of non-discrimination policy implementation and training
- Patient services and support
- Employee benefits and policies
- Patient and community engagement
- Responsible citizenship
For years, UC Davis has been a leader in establishing and maintaining a workplace and care environment that does not discriminate because of an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity. In addition, as an Anchor Institution, the health system plays an important role in providing culturally competent care to its patients and the surrounding community.
UC Davis Health's Office for Health Equity, Diversity and Inclusion offers employees a number of professional development and training opportunities to support the health system's mission to develop an inclusive and culturally aware staff.
"I am proud to be part of an organization that puts health equity at the center of what we do," Ton added.
