Among a record number of healthcare entities which participated in the compilation of the 15^th Human Rights Campaign health equality index (HEI), Montefiore Health System scored a perfect 100, and earned 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 now for eight years in a row.

The 2022 HEI scorecard evaluated healthcare institutions on criteria related to four key areas, and Montefiore received the top score in each one:

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

Gloria Kenny, senior vice president and chief human resources officer at Montefiore said the recognition by the nation’s largest LGBTQ+ civil rights organization shone a spotlight on the work, ethics, and moral compass of the Montefiore community. “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,” she said. “This is our North Star.”

Montefiore officials said the health system’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 to have had a float in the annual 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 has also worked with the Bronx borough president’s office to raise the pride flag at Bronx Borough Hall.

Montefiore has also implemented an inclusive identity policy, allowing associates to identify by the name and pronouns that best align with their gender identity. In addition, the health system has established programs and training opportunities to address the LGBTQ+ community’s needs, helping employees understand appropriate terminology, gender identities and sexual orientation.

Officials said this latest accomplishment builds on what they described as Montefiore’s long history of providing LGBTQ+ care in hospitals, community health centers and specialty clinics. The services provided at the Adolescent and Youth Sexual-Health Clinic (MAYS) and at the Montefiore AIDS Center, the largest single site for HIV care and prevention programs in New York State, have been at the forefront of HIV/AIDS and LGBTQ+ care for adults and youth for more than 30 years. The centers serve those aged 13 and up with comprehensive care, including mental health and support services, Trans* care and primary care.

Alana Murphy, MB, organizational change management consultant and program chair to the Healthcare Equality Index for the Human Rights Campaign at Montefiore, said, “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.”