Baystate Earns LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality High Performer Status

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Four of Baystate Health’s hospitals were recently designated as “LGBTQ+ High Performers” by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation’s Healthcare Equality Index (HEI).

Baystate Medical Center, Baystate Franklin Medical Center, Baystate Noble Hospital, and Baystate Wing Hospital were among a record 1,065 healthcare facilities that actively participated in the HEI 2024 survey and scoring process. Of those participants, 462 received the “LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality High Performer” designation.

"Baystate Health is proud to be recognized as a High Performer on the 2024 Health Equality Index (HEI) Survey by the Human Rights Campaign," said Tyonne D. Hinson, Senior Vice President & Chief Diversity, Health Equity, and Inclusion Officer. "This recognition supports Baystate’s commitment to safety, provision of gender affirming care for the LGBTQ+ community, and our unwavering focus on quality and health equity for all. Baystate Health is dedicated to elevating the dignity of all people, as we continue our journey in advancing care and enhancing the lives of our LGBTQ+ patients, families and employees."

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation is the educational arm of the Human Rights Campaign, America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) people.

HEI survey participants are scored on criteria that includes:

• Foundational elements of non-discrimination policy implementation and training
• Patient services and support
• Employee benefits and policies
• Patient and community engagement
• Responsible citizenship

Baystate Health is an advocate for diversity, inclusion and equity and aims to provide an environment based on dignity, respect, trust, and collaboration. Baystate Health is proud to provide employees with an LGBTQ+ Business Resource Group, as well as making resources and an LGBTQ+ inclusion course available to team members.

About Baystate Health: Baystate Health is a not-for-profit, integrated healthcare system serving over 800,000 people throughout western New England. Baystate Health is the largest healthcare organization in western Massachusetts. With roots dating to the founding of Springfield Hospital in 1883, Baystate Health has been providing high-quality and compassionate healthcare in the Pioneer Valley for more than 140 years. Its mission is to improve the health of the people in its communities every day, with quality and compassion. With a focus on quality, safety, value, and experience, Baystate is not only a keystone of the region, it is a national leader in healthcare.

About the Human Rights Campaign: 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.