This is breaking news this morning from the American Hospital Association 2024 Conference: Accelerating Health Equity. In an unprecedented achievement, Broward Counties Holy Cross Health has earned the “LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality High Performer” Designation in the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Healthcare Equality Index. This is the first time the faith based hospital healthcare system has been recognized by the HRC for their achievements for the LGBTQ+ community. The 2024 Accelerating Health Equity conference is happening in Kansas City. This prestigious designation was awarded in the 16th edition of the Healthcare Equality Index. Out of over 7,000 healthcare facilities in the United States, a record-breaking 1,065 actively participated in the Health Equity 2024 survey and scoring process. Just 462 received the “LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality High Performer” designation. Even more significant, only approximately 15 faith based hospitals received the recognition of outstanding healthcare delivery for the LGBTQ+ community. Holy Cross Health is one of them. Kim Saiswick, Vice President of Community Health and Well-Being stated “Health inequities are systematic differences in the health status of different population groups. Social determinants of health such as poverty, unequal access to health care, lack of education, stigma, and racism are underlying, contributing factors of health inequities. Turning the tide of these inequities is not only possible, but also imperative; Holy Cross Health has recognized this, making health equity an explicit and implicit priority. Holy Cross Health is an agent of local change and is changing the narrative, taking action that will promote health equity. These issues are an important priority for health care professionals year-round, not just during Pride Month.” Continuing its leadership, Holy Cross Health has also ranked in the top 25% of America’s Best-In-State Hospitals in 2024. Kelley Robinson, President of the Human Rights Campaign also emphasizes the importance of inclusive healthcare services and fighting discrimination. Robinson said, “LGBTQ+ people and their loved ones are looking for healthcare providers to offer and champion fully inclusive services, The Healthcare Equality Index is helping people find facilities where welcoming policies and practices are the standard. We know that LGBTQ+ people – especially our trans family – continue to face discrimination in the doctor’s office. No one should have to put their health on the backburner for fear of mistreatment in a healthcare facility or by their doctor.” Being a Catholic not-for-profit community hospital makes today’s announcement even more historic. Holy Cross sits in the shadow of one of America’s largest and best LGBTQ+ communities. Holy Cross serves as a beacon to marginalized communities, welcoming and meeting LGBTQ+ healthcare needs. To learn more about Holy Cross Hospital, you can visit holy-cross.com or connect @holycrossfl.
