University of Iowa Health Care earns "LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality High Performer" Designation

The designation was announced in the 2024 Healthcare Equality Index (HEI), the HRC Foundation’s annual evaluation of the policies and practices health care facilities devote to equitable treatment and inclusion of LGBTQ+ patients, visitors, and employees.

“University of Iowa Health Care is committed to providing welcoming and affirming care for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning patients,” says Katie Imborek, MD, interim associate vice president for health parity with UI Health Care and co-director of the LGBTQ clinic. “The HEI has been a valuable resource to highlight opportunities for further improvements and provide best practices from organizations across the country. This recognition is important for current and prospective patients, students, faculty, and staff.”  

UI Health Care is among 462 health care systems nationally to earn this designation. A record 1,065 health care facilities participated in this year’s survey.

Among efforts to make UI Health Care more diverse, equitable, and inclusive, the LGBTQ Clinic provides full-service health care to adults and adolescents from the LGBTQ+ communities. The clinic—the first of its kind in Iowa—has cared for over 5,000 patients since its opening in 2011. Every member of the clinic’s staff has received LGBTQ-specific cultural humility training to ensure a welcoming and affirming health care environment for all patients.

The HEI evaluates and scores health care facilities based on detailed criteria in the following categories:  

• Foundational policies and training in LGBTQ+ patient-centered care 
• LGBTQ+ patient services and support 
• Employee benefits and policies 
• Patient and community engagement. 

For more information about the HEI or to view the 2024 report, visit the Human Rights Campaign Foundation.