Saint Francis Hospital Earns 'LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Builder' Designation in Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Healthcare Equality Index

HARTFORD, Conn. -- Saint Francis Hospital has been named an “LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Builder” by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC). The designation was awarded in the 16th iteration of HRC’s Healthcare Equality Index (HEI), released this month. A record 1,065 healthcare facilities actively participated in the HEI 2024 survey and scoring process. Of those participants, 112 received the “LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Builder” designation.

“Saint Francis Hospital is committed to taking action in promoting health equity,” said David S. Shapiro, M.D., Chief Medical Officer at Saint Francis. “As part of our Mission to be a transforming, healing presence in our community, Saint Francis has a commitment to serve all and stands as a beacon to many marginalized communities and those lacking access to healthcare.”

HRC evaluates hospitals for HEI designation based upon four core objectives: foundational nondiscrimination including patients, visitors, and staff focused on competency training in LGBTQ+ inclusion; progress toward inclusivity for LGBTQ+ patient care services and support; cultivation of an inclusive workplace by providing inclusive policies and benefits; and engagement and public commitment with LGBTQ+ community.

“As anti-LGBTQ+ extremists look to strip away healthcare access at every turn, 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,” said Kelley Robinson, President of the Human Rights Campaign. “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 back burner for fear of mistreatment in a healthcare facility or by their doctor.”

This year’s HEI comes as 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, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. The impact of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation combined with a history of discrimination in healthcare settings has the potential to cause even more LGBTQ+ people to delay or avoid seeking healthcare, which makes the HEI even more salient for those looking to find LGBTQ+-inclusive care.