Wake Forest Baptist Recognized as a Leader in LGBTQ Health Care Equality by the Human Rights Campaign

March 29, 2017

Wake Forest Baptist Medical Centertoday was acknowledged for its leadership and commitment to provide quality, equitable and inclusive patient- and family-centered health care to all.

In concert with National LGBTQ Health Awareness Week, the Human Rights Campaign released the results of its annual Healthcare Equality Index (HEI). The HEI scores health care facilities across the country for their leadership and commitment to providing LGBTQ patient-centered care based on four key areas: patient, visitation and employment non-discrimination; staff training, patient services and support; patient and community engagement; and employee benefits and policies.

In addition to these basic criteria, health care facilities are also rated in adoption of best practices around LGBTQ and transgender patient services and support, patient self-identification and medical decision making.

This year, Wake Forest Baptist earned designation of “Leader in LGBTQ Healthcare Equality” as determined by the Healthcare Equality Index.

“The HEI Leader designation is a true honor and recognition of Wake Forest Baptist’s commitment to LGBTQ patient-centered care at Wake Forest Baptist,” said Cheryl E.H. Locke, vice president and chief diversity and inclusion officer at the Medical Center. “We are pleased and proud of our efforts to improve health for all in our LGBTQ community. We look to grow and improve these efforts throughout our system to continue to meet the needs of our LGBTQ patients and their families.”   

The HEI was developed in 2007 to meet the need for knowledgeable, equitable, sensitive and welcoming health care for the LGBTQ community without fear of discrimination, refusal of care or variation in normal care procedures due to ignorance.

This year, the annual online survey evaluated 590 participating health care facilities nationwide. Of this number, 51 percent – 302 facilities – were designated as leaders.

At 22, North Carolina has the third highest number of LGBTQ health care leaders in the country.

Media Relations

Mac Ingraham: mingraha@wakehealth.edu, 336-716-3487

Joe McCloskey: jmcclosk@wakehealth.edu, 336-716-1273