UCI Medical Center scores high in Human Rights Campaign Healthcare Equality Index

Center achieves perfect scores in nondiscrimination and staff training, patient services and support, and co-worker benefits and policies

Orange, Calif. — UCI Health is proud to announce that UCI Medical Center has received a commendable score of 95 out of 100 on the 2024 Human Rights Campaign Healthcare Equality Index. This prestigious index recognizes U.S. healthcare facilities for their commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusivity and equality.

UCI Medical Center excelled across multiple key categories, achieving perfect scores in the following areas:

• Nondiscrimination and Staff Training: 40/40 points
• Patient Services and Support: 30/30 points
• Employee Benefits and Policies: 20/20 points

The center also demonstrated strong policies and training programs that ensure an inclusive environment for all patients and co-worker. This includes comprehensive nondiscrimination policies, extensive LGBTQ+ co-worker training and transparent communication of policies to the public.

The center also earned full marks for implementing best practices in providing specialized services to the LGBTQ+ community, including clinical services, data collection practices and training on inclusive medical decision-making.

It was recognized for offering inclusive benefits for LGBTQ+ co-workers, including transgender-inclusive health insurance benefits and supportive co-worker resource groups.

“UCI has an incredible opportunity to continue making a difference in the lives of LGBTQ+ patients. It is up to all of us to create a healthcare environment that is LGBTQ+ inclusive for staff, faculty and patients," says Brit Cervantes, the UCI Health Gender Diversity Program program coordinator.

"Being recognized by the Human Rights Council as a leader in LGBTQ+ health demonstrates the commitment of UCI Health to the LGBTQ+ community all year long, not just during Pride Month.”

UCI Health remains committed to continuous improvement and maintaining the highest standards of equality and inclusivity. This recognition from the Human Rights Campaign reinforces its resolve to meet the health needs of all communities and to provide a supportive and inclusive workplace for all.

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About UCI Health

UCI Health is the clinical enterprise of the University of California, Irvine, and the only academic health system in Orange County. Patients can access UCI Health at primary and specialty care offices across Orange County and at its main campus, UCI Medical Center in Orange, Calif. The 459-bed, acute care hospital, listed among America’s Best Hospitals by U.S. News & World Report for 23 consecutive years, provides tertiary and quaternary care, ambulatory and specialty medical clinics, behavioral health and rehabilitation services. UCI Medical Center is home to Orange County’s only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center, high-risk perinatal/neonatal program and American College of Surgeons-verified Level I adult and Level II pediatric trauma center, gold level 1 geriatric emergency department and regional burn center. UCI Health serves a region of nearly 4 million people in Orange County, western Riverside County and southeast Los Angeles County. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.