THE FOLLOWING IS A CARLE HEALTH RELEASE
Urbana, Ill – Carle Health continues to bring focused support to building an inclusive health system to give and receive care. We are proud to announce that all eight Carle Health hospitals earned Leader designation in the Healthcare Equality Index (HEI) – the highest level of recognition for LGBTQ+ inclusive healthcare. This designation reflects continued progress across the organization and an improved standing from previous survey results.
The HEI evaluates healthcare organizations in four key areas: nondiscrimination and staff training, patient services and support, employee benefits and policies, and patient and community engagement. Together, these areas highlight how organizations create welcoming, affirming environments for LGBTQ+ patients, team members and communities.
“We believe every community member deserves equitable and quality healthcare. The HEI designation continues to ground our commitment to both our patients and team members as we strive to be a safe and affirming care provider for the entire region,” Theresa Green, MSN, RN, Clinical Excellence and Carle Experience vice president said. “Whether embedding chosen names and pronouns into our medical record or creating clear language in policies that guide everyday decisions, reducing barriers for our team members to create inclusive and welcoming environments is critical to this work. This designation can be confirmation to our patients that we want to care for you not just medically, but as the full person you are.”
For many patients, efforts and areas identified by the HEI help address longstanding barriers to care and build confidence in the healthcare experience. That confidence is reflected through the ongoing work of many team members who put updates and policies into play that benefit both patients and employees alike.
“Pursuing designations that reflect our commitment to equality and inclusion is one meaningful way we demonstrate who we are as an organization ,” said Lauren Schmid, executive VP and chief Human Resources officer. “We have been intentional in building policies, practices and benefits that reflect care, equity and respect for every team member. When we create a foundation that is thoughtful and inclusive, we reinforce our commitment to the well-being and sense of belonging of all – and in the end provide better patient care to every community member.”
Since the last survey, Carle Health has expanded education opportunities for team members, maintained inclusive policy language, strengthened patient services and support and deepened connections with community partners. The organization also received strong marks in employee benefits and workplace experience.
As the healthcare experience continues to evolve, the community can count on Carle Health as the leading care prover to offer a safe environment, respectful support and inclusive services for all.
Please contact Carle Health Public Relations with any questions or to speak with a local leader about our continued commitment to equitable healthcare at (217) 902-5201 and CarleHealthPublicRelations@carle.com.
