UMass Memorial Health was given the highest level of recognition from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation for its efforts to provide inclusive care to LGBTQ+ patients, earning designation as an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader in the organization’s 2026 Healthcare Equality Index.
The biennial index, published by the educational arm of the nation’s largest LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, is considered a national benchmark for evaluating how hospitals and health systems support LGBTQ+ patients, employees and communities through their policies and practices.
The recognition places UMass Memorial among health care organizations nationwide that meet the foundation’s highest standards for LGBTQ+ inclusion across patient care, workplace policies, staff education and community engagement.
“Recognition as an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader reflects our deep and ongoing commitment to delivering equitable care for every patient we serve,” UMass Memorial Health President and CEO Dr. Eric Dickson said in the announcement. “We are proud to create an environment where individuals feel respected and supported at every point in their care journey.”
According to the announcement, the Healthcare Equality Index evaluates participating health systems in four key areas: inclusive patient care and support, employee benefits and workplace inclusion, education and training, and community engagement and outreach.
UMass Memorial said its efforts include honoring patients’ names and pronouns, improving the collection of sexual orientation and gender identity information, expanding access to LGBTQ+-affirming services and coordinated care, maintaining systemwide nondiscrimination protections, and providing ongoing education for caregivers.
The Worcester-based health system said it also emphasizes inclusive workplace policies and benefits designed to support employees while helping caregivers provide compassionate, equitable care to patients.
UMass Memorial Health is the largest nonprofit health care system in Central Massachusetts, employing more than 20,000 caregivers and 2,400 physicians. Its network includes UMass Memorial Medical Center, Harrington, HealthAlliance-Clinton Hospital, Milford Regional, Community Healthlink and UMass Memorial Medical Group, and serves as the clinical partner of UMass Chan Medical School.
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