LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader

UMass Memorial Health’s licensed acute care hospitals have been recognized as LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leaders in the 2026 Healthcare Equality Index (HEI) — the highest level of national recognition for LGBTQ+ inclusion in healthcare. ¹

This designation reflects our deep organizational commitment to creating a welcoming, respectful and inclusive environment for our patients, caregivers and communities.

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What is the Healthcare Equality Index? 

The Healthcare Equality Index is a national benchmarking tool released by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, the educational arm of the nation’s largest LGBTQ+ civil rights organization.

The HEI evaluates healthcare organizations on policies and practices that support LGBTQ+ inclusion and equitable care, helping both health systems and patients understand where inclusive, respectful care is being delivered.

Organizations are evaluated across four key areas:

Inclusive Patient Care and Support

This area looks at how we provide respectful, affirming care. We are committed to ensuring every patient feels seen, respected and supported throughout their care experience.

• Respectful communication, including the use of names and pronouns
• Improved collection of sexual orientation and gender identity information
• Access to LGBTQ+–affirming services and coordinated care

Employee Benefits and Workplace Inclusion

This area focuses on how we create an inclusive workplace that helps caregivers feel supported, respected and able to deliver compassionate, inclusive care.

• Inclusive benefits and caregiver resources
• Policies that promote respect, equity and nondiscrimination
• Tools and guidance to support LGBTQ+ caregivers and their colleagues

Education, Training and Policies

This area examines how we build and sustain inclusive practices through education, clear policies, and inclusive practices across our system.

• Systemwide nondiscrimination policies for both patients and caregivers
• Ongoing learning focused on LGBTQ+ inclusion and care
• Clear standards that support accountability and respect

Community Engagement and Outreach

This area highlights how we partner with and learn from the communities we serve.

• Participation in community events and Pride initiatives
• Partnerships with local organizations
• Ongoing efforts to listen, learn and improve access to care

What This Means for You

For Patients

• You can expect care that respects your identity and lived experience
• You will be treated with dignity, respect and compassion
• You are protected by nondiscrimination policies that support equitable, inclusive care
• You have access to gender-affirming and culturally competent care

For Caregivers

• You are part of a workplace that values inclusion, respect and belonging
• You are supported by nondiscrimination policies and inclusive workplace standards
• Policies, benefits and resources are designed to support you and your family
• Education and training help you provide the best possible care to every patient

For Our Community

• We are committed to being a trusted, inclusive healthcare partner
• We actively engage with and learn from the communities we serve
• We continue working to improve access to equitable care for all

Our Commitment

While this recognition is an important milestone, it also reflects ongoing work. UMass Memorial Health remains committed to advancing inclusive, equitable care and continuing to strengthen how we serve our patients, support our caregivers and engage with our communities.

^{1 All of UMass Memorial’s licensed acute care hospital locations received the Leader designation with the exception of UMass Memorial Health – Milford Regional which was not included in our submission as it had only recently joined the system.  Work is already underway to include Milford in the next HEI survey submission with the goal of achieving the same Leader designation.}