Oregon Health & Science University has once again been recognized for providing safe and quality health care experiences for all, including members of the LGBTQ+ community.
The Human Rights Commission Foundation has named OHSU a 2024 LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader. It is the tenth time that OHSU has received this recognition since 2011.
Healthcare Equality Leaders are health institutions that receive a top score of 100 through the commission’s Healthcare Equality Index, a national benchmarking tool that evaluates policies and practices related to the equity and inclusion of LGBTQ+ patients, visitors and employees. Of 1,065 facilities that actively participated in the 2024 index, 384 hospitals nationwide — including three in Oregon — were designated leaders.
“We are honored to receive this recognition from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, which underscores our ongoing commitment to championing equality in health care,” said Aedan Coffey, M.P.H., director of the OHSU Transgender Health Program. “This essential work is a key component of OHSU’s overarching mission to enhance the health and well-being of all Oregonians.”
Among the OHSU programs serving the LGBTQ+ community is the Partnership Project, which has provided comprehensive services to people living with HIV since 1995. And since 2015, the OHSU Transgender Health Program has offered support, information and advocacy to transgender and gender-diverse patients seeking care at OHSU. The university also provides training opportunities for its staff, as well as for providers throughout Oregon, to foster understanding and respect for all patients.
“We know that LGBTQ+ people — especially our trans family — continue to face discrimination in the doctor’s office,” said Human Rights Campaign President Kelley Robinson. “No one should have to put their health on the backburner for fear of mistreatment in a health care facility or by their doctor.”
The Human Rights Campaign Foundation is the educational arm of the Human Rights Campaign, a national civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people.