Atlantic Health System hospitals recognized for commitment to equality, inclusivity in health care
Every Atlantic Health medical center earns perfect score
NEW JERSEY – Atlantic Health System is proud to share that six of its hospitals earned the coveted “LGBTQ+ Health Care Equality Leader” designation and a top score of 100 on the Healthcare Equality Index (HEI) from the Human Rights Campaign (HRC).
This is the fourth consecutive time all of Atlantic Health System’s medical centers (Morristown, Overlook, Newton, Chilton and Hackettstown Medical Centers and Goryeb Children’s Hospital) earned this designation.
Atlantic Health System locations make up almost 20 percent of all the facilities in New Jersey to earn a perfect score.
Now in its 15th year, the Healthcare Equality Index is part of the Human Rights Campaign Foundation and is the nation’s foremost benchmarking survey of healthcare facilities on policies and practices dedicated to the equitable treatment and inclusion of their LGBTQ+ patients, visitors, and team members.
“Atlantic Health System is dedicated to the belief that every patient, visitor and team member is deserving of a welcoming and inclusive health care environment,” said Armond Kinsey, Chief Diversity Officer, Atlantic Health System. “The HEI is about more than just believing in equitable treatment for all, it is about doing the work to make that care accessible, the spaces safe from discrimination, and provide interactions where patients are respected and heard. Four consecutive award periods of perfect scores sends the powerful message that we are here for every member of our community.”
The HEI uses scoring criteria that focus on foundational non-discrimination policies as well as a variety of policies and practices to promote LGBTQ+ patient-centered care. New last year was the additional requirement that healthcare facilities provide transgender-inclusive health insurance to their employees in order to receive a top score.
The HEI evaluates and scores healthcare facilities on detailed criteria falling under four central pillars:
- Foundational Policies and Training in LGBTQ+ Patient-Centered Care;
- LGBTQ+ Patient Services and Support;
- Employee Benefits and Policies; and,
- Patient and Community Engagement.
Atlantic Health System has also been named to the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® list for 13 consecutive years, a Best Place to Work for Women, a Best Place to Work for Diversity and has also been named to Modern Healthcare’s Best Places To Work list.
