Eisenhower Health and Desert Regional Medical Center recognized as ‘Top Performer’ and ‘Equality Leader’ for LGBTQ+ Health

Eisenhower Health and Desert Regional Medical Center have gotten notable evaluations on the most recent Health Equality Index, which is conducted by the Humans Rights Campaign.

According to the Human Rights Campaign website, “the Healthcare Equality Index (HEI) is the national LGBTQ+ benchmarking tool that evaluates healthcare facilities’ policies and practices related to the equity and inclusion of their LGBTQ+ patients, visitors and employees. The HEI 2022 evaluates more than 2,200 healthcare facilities nationwide.”

Eisenhower Health received an evaluation of 95 out of 100, earning them the title of ‘Top Performer’ in LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality.

Ben Farber, Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer for Eisenhower Health shares with News Channel 3, “For many people in the LGBTQ+ community, that means they’ve had to hide their true selves from their physicians or refuse to seek care at all. We are in a place now where we’re proud to tell and have that recognition. So the LGBTQ+ community knows that they should and can expect quality health care that makes them feel safe and seen.”

Click HERE for Eisenhower Health’s HEI evaluation.

Desert Regional Medical Center was named an ‘Equality Leader’ in LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality after receiving an evaluation of 100/100.

This marks Desert Regional’s tenth consecutive year receiving a perfect score.

Todd Burke, Director of Communications at Desert Regional, says, “Let’s face it, nobody wants to come to a hospital, right? It’s not like we’re going to a shopping center. It’s a place of anxiety for many people. And we’re just trying to do everything we can to make sure that the time that anyone spends with us is one that is respectful and healing, and that they’re getting the best care they can.”

Click HERE for Desert Regional Medical Center’s HEI evaluation.

THE LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert works directly with Eisenhower Health to implement programs relating to health and wellness.

Their Chief Executive Officer, Rob Wheeler shared his thoughts on the evaluations, “The HRC (Human Rights Campaign) Equality Index report is 20 years old, it really demonstrates the power of culturally competent care, both for employers for health care providers, and it holds us all accountable for meeting the needs of our community. So I’m really happy to see Eisenhower has a strong score there.”

As for the years to come, both hospitals say they’ll continue to be dedicated to their patients.

The Health Equality Index is scored using hospital’s policies and training, care, and engagement when it comes to LGBTQ+ patients.

Both JFK and High Desert hospitals have not submitted for consideration.