Read Time: 1 minute
The Human Rights Campaign Foundation recognized Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah with renewal of designation as an “LGBTQ+ High Performer” in the 16th edition of the Healthcare Equality Index.
The Healthcare Equality Index is the nation’s leading review of health care facility policies and best practices to ensure equitable treatment of all patients, visitors, and employees.
"Nearly half of us will experience a cancer diagnosis in our lifetime. It does not care what you look like, who you love, or how you identify. Huntsman Cancer Institute is a place that is committed to providing comprehensive, compassionate cancer care to every patient we serve.”
Mary Beckerle, PhD
CEO of Huntsman Cancer Institute
The Healthcare Equality Index evaluates healthcare facilities on five central criteria:
Non-Discrimination and Staff Training
Patient Services and Support
Employee Benefits and Policies
Patient and Community Engagement
Responsible Citizenship
A committee of leaders, staff, and students led the renewal application effort, outlining how Huntsman Cancer Institute meets designation criteria through efforts such as ensuring appropriate, welcoming interactions with patients; collecting self-identified patient data; providing faculty and staff resources; ensuring access to all-gender restrooms; guaranteeing LGBTQ+ employees receive equal treatment in health-related benefits and policies; and participation in community engagement activities aimed at reducing health disparities, among other initiatives.
In addition to clinical care, the designation also advances Huntsman Cancer Institute’s research mission as a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. This includes engaging patients from all backgrounds in clinical research opportunities, providing education about cancer screening and care, and encouraging community members to engage in healthy behaviors that prevent cancer.
Huntsman Cancer Institute was first recognized with this designation in 2022.
Earlier this month, Huntsman Cancer Institute team members attended the Utah Pride Festival and Parade where they distributed sunscreen and information on sun safety and other ways to prevent cancer.
Media Contact
Heather Simonsen
Public Affairs Senior Manager
Huntsman Cancer Institute
801 581-3194
public.affairs@hci.utah.edu
About Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah
Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah is the National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center for Utah, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, and Wyoming. With a legacy of innovative cancer research, groundbreaking discoveries, and world-class patient care, we are transforming the way cancer is understood, prevented, diagnosed, treated, and survived. Huntsman Cancer Institute focuses on delivering the highest standard of care and the most advanced treatments, ensuring world-class cancer care is available to all communities in the area we serve. We have more than 300 open clinical trials and 250 research teams studying cancer at any given time. More genes for inherited cancers have been discovered at Huntsman Cancer Institute than at any other cancer center. Our scientists are world-renowned for understanding how cancer begins and using that knowledge to develop innovative approaches to treat each patient’s unique disease. Huntsman Cancer Institute was founded by Jon M. and Karen Huntsman.