HealthNet Health Receives Designation for LGBTQ+ Inclusion Efforts
6/25/2024
(Indianapolis, Ind.) HealthNet, Inc. has received the LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Builder designation from the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation’s 2024 Healthcare Equality Index (HEI). The award recognizes HealthNet’s commitment to establishing foundational policies that ensure LGBTQ+ inclusion across all areas of service.
In its 16th year, the HEI is a benchmarking tool for LGBTQ+ inclusive policies and best practices in healthcare facilities. A record 1,065 healthcare facilities actively participated in the Healthcare Equality Index (HEI) 2024 survey and scoring process. Of those participants, 112 received the “LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Builder” designation. HealthNet is one of six organizations in Indiana to be recognized.
HealthNet was assessed on several key criteria, including patient non-discrimination, employee non-discrimination, and staff training in LGBTQ+ culturally competent care. The HEI’s rigorous evaluation process also includes criteria on patient services and support, employee benefits and policies, and patient and community engagement.
“We are deeply honored to receive the LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Builder designation and to be recognized for our efforts in fostering an inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ patients, visitors, and staff,” said Rick Diaz, president and CEO of HealthNet. “This recognition reaffirms our commitment to compassionate, comprehensive healthcare that acknowledges and addresses the specific needs of the diverse communities we serve.”
The effort to achieve LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Builder status was launched HealthNet’s H.O.P.E. (HealthNet’s Opportunity to Promote Equity) Committee — a volunteer group comprised of HealthNet employees focused on initiatives that help create a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable workforce at HealthNet.
“We are committed to not just meeting but exceeding the standards for LGBTQ+ inclusion,” added Diaz. “This recognition from the HRC Foundation is a testament to our ongoing efforts to provide a welcoming and safe environment for everyone who steps through our doors.”
For more information about the HEI and to view the full 2024 report, please visit reports.hrc.org/hei-2024
About HealthNet:
Founded in 1968, HealthNet is dedicated to making healthcare easily accessible for all people. To ensure cost is never a barrier, HealthNet accepts most insurances and has a sliding fee scale so that the amount owed for services can be adjusted based on the patient’s ability to pay. Through its network of 9 community-based, comprehensive primary care health centers, 5 dental centers, 2 school-based health centers, 1 mobile health center, Healthy Families program, Homeless Initiative Program and support services, HealthNet annually provides affordable health care to more than 61,000 individuals in central Indiana – most of whom live at or below the federal poverty level.