Geisinger was designated by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation as an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality High Performer, according to a press release on Thursday, June 6. The recognition comes from the HRC’s Healthcare Equality Index, an annual survey that evaluates health care facilities’ policies and practices related to the equity and inclusion of patients, visitors and employees.
The 2024 HEI survey pulled information from 1,065 health care facilities and designated 462 organizations as LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality High Performers.
“We’re honored to be acknowledged by the HRC’s HEI for our ongoing commitment to promote inclusivity and equity at Geisinger,” said Kim Drumgo, Geisinger’s chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer, in a statement. “This achievement reminds us of the positive impact we can make together by being champions of humanity and making a difference in the lives of others.”
In the statement, Geisinger shared how the Kaiser Family Foundation noted that LGBTQ+ adults are twice as likely as non-LGBTQ adults to be “treated unfairly or with disrespect by a doctor or healthcare provider” in the last three years.
As a part of the HEI survey, Geisinger performed highly in the following diversity, equity and inclusion practices:
- Bias elimination and welcoming interactions —Geisinger recently established a systemwide policy to address issues related to patient and visitor misconduct. Geisinger’s Office of DEI hosts a monthly education and training that models how employees can respond to verbal or physical harassment and discriminatory behavior.
- Electronic health records, sexual orientation and gender identity data — Clinicians began collecting data in an effort to gain a better understanding of patients’ health care needs, address health disparities and provide high-quality care to everyone.
- Pronouns —Geisinger started collecting patients’ pronouns in 2019, along with veteran status and other demographic information, to help clinicians better meet patients’ individual needs.
- Comprehensive benefits for domestic partners— Geisinger provides medical coverage and other health benefits to domestic partners of benefits-eligible employees, as long as shared residence is proven.
- Employee resource groups —Geisinger’s People Ready for Inclusion, Diversity and Equality group was formed to foster a welcoming, caring and inclusive environment for employees of all sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.
- Community engagement and support —Geisinger supports, participates in and sponsors several LGBTQ+-related events and initiatives throughout the year.
More information on diversity, equity and inclusion at Geisinger can be found at geisinger.org/about-geisinger/diversity-and-inclusion.
