Post submitted by Eva Kendrick, former HRC Alabama State Manager

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Hospital recently celebrated its third year earning the status of “LGBTQ Health Care Equality Leader” on HRC’s Healthcare Equality Index (HEI).  UAB Hospital joins 417 other impressive healthcare facilities, including the VA Birmingham Medical Center of the Veterans Health Administration, in earning a perfect 100 on the 2018 HEI.

Now in its 11th year, the HEI evaluates health care facilities’ policies and practices related to equity and inclusion of their LGBTQ patients, visitors and employees across the nation. A record 626 healthcare facilities actively participated in the survey, committing to LGBTQ-inclusive policies and practices. In 2018, the HEI evaluated more than 1,600 healthcare facilities nationwide.

HRC Alabama State Director Eva Kendrick joined UAB leadership at its “Celebrate Equality” reception, praising UAB Hospital for its continued leadership in healthcare equality for LGBTQ Alabamians.

“In a state where more than half of LGBTQ Alabamians report fearing coming out to their health care providers due to stigmatization and where LGBTQ persons experience disproportionate impacts of workplace discrimination, it is encouraging that UAB Hospital not only serves millions of patients a year as the state’s largest public hospital, but is also one of the state’s leading employers,” Kendrick said. “UAB’s commitment to a higher standard of care for both LGBTQ patients and employees is creating a different Alabama -- one health care facility at a time.”  

HRC thanks UAB Health System President Dr. Will Ferniany; Chief Diversity Officer Deborah Grimes; Chief Operating Officer Reid Jones; UAB Medicine Director, Network Development and Affiliations Dawson Smith; and members of the HEI Advisory Team for their leadership in advancing LGBTQ health care equality in Alabama.

For more information about HRC Foundation’s annual Healthcare Equality Index, visit hrc.org/HEI.