July 29, 2024
By: Public Health and Policy Specialist, Arianna R. Gomez, MPH
and Vivent Health Senior Director of Philanthropy and Community Engagement, Brandon Wollerson
We are thrilled to announce a significant milestone in our pursuit of healthcare equity for the LGBTQIA+ community. Today, we proudly celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of two key community partners: CommUnityCare Health Centers and Integral Care. For the first time, The Healthcare Equality Index (HEI) recognized both organizations with the prestigious “High Performer” designation, reflecting their dedication to inclusive healthcare through staff training, patient services, and policy implementation that meet HEI standards.
The HEI, developed by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), is a comprehensive national benchmarking tool that evaluates healthcare facilities based on their policies and practices related to the equity and inclusion of LGBTQIA+ patients, visitors, and employees. Achieving the HEI designation signifies a healthcare organization’s commitment to providing culturally and gender-affirming care, free from discrimination. This recognition underscores the organization’s ongoing dedication to fostering an inclusive and equitable healthcare environment.
The journey to these achievements began in August 2022 with the launch of the regional HEI initiative by the Central Health Equity Policy Council. This grassroots initiative was driven by our mission to address health disparities and promote LGBTQIA+ inclusivity across 77 safety-net clinics in Travis County. Despite significant challenges, our partners have remained steadfast in their dedication to this cause, adopting best practices for LGBTQIA+ patient care, enhancing staff education on inclusivity, and actively engaging with the community to understand and address specific health needs.
By prioritizing LGBTQIA+ inclusivity, Central Health, CommUnityCare, and Integral Care are setting a new standard for equitable healthcare and rebuilding trust within our community. These efforts, joined by other local organizations in Austin, including Vivent Health, People’s Community Clinic, and Austin Public Health, all recognized in the latest HEI survey, ensure that every patient receives dignified, discrimination-free care, thereby advancing health equity in Central Texas.
This progress is part of our ongoing journey toward a more inclusive and just healthcare system, reflecting our commitment to the well-being and dignity of every individual in our community.
Join us in celebrating this achievement as we continue striving for a healthcare system that respects and serves everyone with compassion.