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April 14, 2022

Montefiore Receives Top Designation in the Human Rights Campaign Healthcare Equality Index

BRONX, NY – Among a record number of healthcare entities participating in the 15th anniversary of the Human Rights Campaign Health Equality Index (HEI), Montefiore earned a perfect score of 100 and the designation of “LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader.” The HEI serves as the gold standard in benchmarking healthcare institutions on policies and practices dedicated to the equitable treatment and inclusion of their LGBTQ+ patients, visitors and employees. Montefiore has received this top designation for eight years in a row.

The 2022 HEI scorecard evaluated healthcare institutions on criteria related to four key areas. Montefiore received the maximum score in each section:

  • Foundational Policies and Training in LGBTQ+ Patient-Centered Care;
  • LGBTQ+ Patient Services and Support;
  • Employee Benefits and Policies; and,
  • Patient and Community Engagement.

“This recognition by the nation’s largest LGBTQ+ civil rights organization shines a spotlight on the work, ethics and moral compass of our Montefiore community,” said Gloria Kenny, Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at Montefiore. “Founded more than 135 years ago, Montefiore has always been steadfast in our commitment to ensuring our patients, staff and communities are heard, well cared for and not discriminated against; this is our North Star.”

Montefiore’s commitment to policies and practices dedicated to the equitable treatment and inclusion of their LGBTQ+ patients, visitors and employees is exemplified by many “firsts,” including being the first health system in New York City to have joined and have a float in the NYC Pride March.

Additionally, Montefiore has sponsored Pride events in four of New York City’s boroughs, as well as in Westchester and Rockland counties, and worked with the Bronx Borough President’s office to raise the pride flag at Bronx Borough Hall.

Montefiore implemented an inclusive identity policy on Preferred Names and Pronouns, allowing associates to identify the name and pronouns that best align with their gender identity, to ensure an inclusive and safe work environment. It also established programs and training opportunities to address the LGBTQ+ community’s needs, helping employees understand appropriate terminology, gender identities and sexual orientation.

This latest accomplishment builds off Montefiore’s long history of providing LGBTQ+ care in hospitals, community health centers and specialty clinics. The services provided by Montefiore Adolescent and Youth Sexual-Health Clinic (MAYS) – formerly the Adolescent AIDS Program (AAP) – and the Montefiore AIDS Center, the largest single site HIV care and prevention program in New York State, have been on the forefront of HIV/AIDS and LGBTQ+ care for adults and youth for more than 30 years, serving those aged 13 and up with comprehensive care, including mental health and support services, Trans* care and primary care.

“At Montefiore, we believe in a world where people can be their authentic selves in a safe and encouraging work environment, and we strive to provide equity in our approach to healthcare for our LGBTQ+ community,” said Alana Murphy, MB, Organizational Change Management Consultant and Program Chair to the Healthcare Equality Index for the Human Rights Campaign at Montefiore.

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About the Human Rights Campaign Foundation

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation is the educational arm of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) people. Through its programs, the HRC Foundation seeks to make transformational change in the everyday lives of LGBTQ+ people, shedding light on inequity and deepening the public’s understanding of LGBTQ+ issues, with a clear focus on advancing transgender and racial justice. Its work has transformed the landscape for more than 15 million workers, 11 million students, 1 million clients in the adoption and foster care system and so much more. The HRC Foundation provides direct consultation and technical assistance to institutions and communities, driving the advancement of inclusive policies and practices; it builds the capacity of future leaders and allies through fellowship and training programs; and, with the firm belief that we are stronger working together, it forges partnerships with advocates in the U.S. and around the globe to increase our impact and shape the future of our work.

 

About Montefiore

Montefiore Health System is one of New York’s premier academic health systems and is a recognized leader in providing exceptional quality and personalized, accountable care to approximately three million people in communities across the Bronx, Westchester, and the Hudson Valley. It is comprised of 10 hospitals, including the Children's Hospital at Montefiore, Burke Rehabilitation Hospital and more than 200 outpatient ambulatory care sites. The advanced clinical and translational research at its medical school, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, directly informs patient care and improves outcomes. From the Montefiore-Einstein Centers of Excellence in cancer, cardiology and vascular care, pediatrics, and transplantation, to its preeminent school-based health program, Montefiore is a fully integrated healthcare delivery system providing coordinated, comprehensive care to patients and their families. For more information, please visit www.montefiore.org. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram and LinkedIn, or view us on Facebook and YouTube.