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The designation highlights Huntsman Cancer Institute’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, and its work to foster a culture of belonging for all, including those who identify as LGBTQ+.
Today the Human Rights Campaign Foundation recognized Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah (U of U) as an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader, awarding it the highest score possible in the 15th anniversary edition of the Healthcare Equality Index.
The Healthcare Equality Index is the nation’s foremost benchmarking survey of healthcare facilities on policies and practices dedicated to the equitable treatment and inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ+) patients, visitors, and employees.
“This achievement represents the very best of our culture and community,” says Mary Beckerle, PhD, Huntsman Cancer Institute CEO. “Cancer affects 1 in 3 people in the United States. It does not care what you look like, where you live, who you love, or how you identify. No person, especially in a healthcare setting, should have to be concerned about being treated differently or negatively because of their sexual orientation, gender, or identity. Huntsman Cancer Institute is committed to providing just and equitable healthcare to our LGBTQ+ patients and advocating for policies that end discrimination against LGBTQ+ people.”
The Healthcare Equality Index evaluates and scores healthcare facilities on detailed criteria falling under four central pillars:
- Foundational Policies and Training in LGBTQ+ Patient-Centered Care
- LGBTQ+ Patient Services and Support
- Employee Benefits and Policies
- Patient and Community Engagement
A committee of LGBTQ+ leaders, staff, students, and allies led the application effort, outlining how Huntsman Cancer Institute meets Healthcare Equality Index criteria through efforts such as ensuring appropriate, welcoming interactions with LGBTQ+ patients; collecting self-identified patient sex and gender data; ensuring access to all-gender restrooms; guaranteeing that LGBTQ+ employees receive equal treatment in health-related benefits and policies; participation in community LGBTQ+ Pride events; and other initiatives.
“Every person deserves to have access to quality healthcare, be respected and heard by their doctor, and feel safe in the facility where they are receiving care. But LGBTQ+ people are often subject to discrimination in all spaces, including healthcare facilities, which leads to members of the community avoiding care and anticipating our voices will not be respected in an incredibly vulnerable environment,” says Tari Hanneman, director of health and aging at the Human Rights Campaign. “The Healthcare Equality Index, at its core, strives to ensure LGBTQ+ people are protected and affirmed by their healthcare providers and feel safe seeking services. Our Healthcare Equality Index active participants are truly pioneering the healthcare industry by implementing robust, comprehensive LGBTQ+ inclusive policies that hopefully, because of their work, will become standard practice.”
Huntsman Cancer Institute is one of five U of U Health facilities to receive the prestigious recognition. Others include the Craig H. Neilsen Rehabilitation Hospital, Huntsman Mental Health Institute, University Orthopaedic Center, and U of U Hospital.
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About Human Rights Campaign Foundation
The Human Rights Campaign Foundation is the educational arm of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people. Through its programs, the HRC Foundation seeks to make transformational change in the everyday lives of LGBTQ+ people, shedding light on inequity and deepening the public’s understanding of LGBTQ+ issues, with a clear focus on advancing transgender and racial justice. Its work has transformed the landscape for more than 15 million workers, 11 million students, 1 million clients in the adoption and foster care system and so much more. The HRC Foundation provides direct consultation and technical assistance to institutions and communities, driving the advancement of inclusive policies and practices; it builds the capacity of future leaders and allies through fellowship and training programs; and, with the firm belief that we are stronger working together, it forges partnerships with advocates in the U.S. and around the globe to increase our impact and shape the future of our work.
Media Contact
Heather Simonsen
Public Relations
Huntsman Cancer Institute
Email Us
801 581-3194
About Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah
Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah (the U) 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 a cancer-free frontier 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.