Huntington Health celebrates Pride Month and its designation as a High Performer in the Healthcare Equality Index 2024

Huntington Health, an affiliate of Cedars-Sinai, was recently designated as a High Performer in the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation’s 2024 Healthcare Equality Index (HEI). The HEI is the leading national benchmarking tool for LGBTQ+ inclusive policies and best practices in health care facilities.

“Huntington’s latest designation is a testament to our commitment to deliver equitable and inclusive high-quality care. It also shows our community that Huntington is committed to creating a safe place to receive care for everyone,” said Pamela Weatherspoon, vice president, enterprise, diversity, equity, inclusion, wellness & engagement.  

This recognition is welcomed news because according to a recent Center for American Progress survey, 30% of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer (LGBQ) respondents and 51% of transgender or non-binary respondents had negative experiences with health care clinicians, and more than 1 in 5 LGBTQ+ adults postponed health care treatment because of disrespect or discrimination by health care health care clinician.  

“The Healthcare Equality Index is helping people find facilities where welcoming policies and practices are the standard. We know that LGBTQ+ people – especially our trans family – continue to face discrimination in the doctor’s office. No one should have to put their health on the backburner for fear of mistreatment in a health care facility or by their doctor,” said Kelley Robinson, president of the Human Rights Campaign.

Fortunately, health care is stepping up to provide this need. This year, 1,065 health care facilities nationwide participated in the assessment. The designation “LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader” was awarded to 384 facilities, and alongside Huntington, 462 others earned the designation “LGBTQ+ High Performer.”

Since 2007, the HRC Foundation has continually raised the bar to align with best practices for inclusive LGBTQ+ health care. In 2024, these rigorous criteria were assessed and scored:  

1. Non-Discrimination and Staff Training

2. Patient Services and Support

3. Employee Benefits and Policies

4. Patient and Community Engagement

5. Responsible Citizenship

To see Huntington’s assessment, visit its score card. To read the full 2024 report, visit the HEI website.