The 2024 HEI report includes Lehigh Valley Hospital (LVH)–Cedar Crest, LVH–17th Street, LVH–Muhlenberg, LVH–Pocono, LVH–Hazleton, LVH–Schuylkill E. Norwegian Street and LVH–Schuylkill S. Jackson Street. Each hospital achieved the top score of 100 points, out of a total 100 points, earning the 2024 LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader designation.
This is the fourth year LVHN has participated in the HEI survey. This year, LVH–Schuylkill E. Norwegian Street and LVH–Schuylkill S. Jackson Street received this top honor for the first time.
“We are proud to participate in the HEI survey to demonstrate our dedication to enhancing the well-being of the LGBTQ+ community,” says Brian A. Nester, DO, MBA, President and CEO, LVHN. “This accomplishment is shared by all LVHN colleagues and reflects our commitment to advancing health equity and inclusivity in our culture and in the community.”
Health care facilities are given a score based on how many LGBTQ+ inclusive policies and practices they have in place in four different criteria areas. To be named a Leader, hospitals must earn a combined 100 points. HEI evaluates and scores health care facilities based on:
- Foundational policies and training in LGBTQ+ patient-centered care
- Patient services and support
- Employee benefits and policies
- Patient and community engagement
A total of 1,065 health care institutions from across the U.S. participated in the 16th annual HEI survey. Of those, 384 organizations (36%) received perfect scores and earned the “LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader” designation.
Another 462 facilities (43%) received a score between 80 and 95 points and were named “LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality High Performers.”
With 79% of participating facilities earning one of these top designations, scoring 80 points or more, health care facilities are demonstrating concretely that they are going beyond the basics when it comes to providing LGBTQ+ patient-centered care.
“This recognition puts LVHN in the company of other leading health systems across the U.S. that are continuously working to eliminate health disparities and improve access to compassionate care that results in a healthy LGBTQ+ community,” says Dr. Nester. “We work every day to provide a safe place for our community to receive the high-quality care that everyone deserves and a workplace where everyone can thrive.”
