Englewood Health CEO Warren Geller said he is proud to announce the hospital’s designation of “Equality Builder” from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2024 Healthcare Equality Index.
“We are deeply honored to receive the Equality Builder designation and to be recognized for our efforts in fostering an inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ patients, visitors and staff,” he said. “This recognition reaffirms our commitment to compassionate, comprehensive health care that acknowledges and addresses the specific needs of the diverse communities we serve.”
The Healthcare Equality Index is among the nation’s leading tools for measuring LGBTQ+ inclusive policies and practices among health care facilities. For this 16th edition, the HEI evaluated 1,065 health care facilities across the U.S., with fewer than 50 facilities in New Jersey participating, one being Englewood Health.
The HEI evaluation process assessed multiple aspects of equality, including patient nondiscrimination, employee nondiscrimination and staff training in LGBTQ+ culturally competent care. This also includes criteria on patient services and support, employee benefits and policies, and patient and community engagement.
Anita Ramsetty, the director of health equity at Englewood Health, praised the ongoing efforts for inclusive policies.
“We are committed to not just meeting, but exceeding the standards for LGBTQ+ inclusion,” she said. “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.”
Englewood Health officials said the progress in this area has been significantly shaped by the dedicated efforts of its Diversity & Inclusion Education Council and Population Health team, both of which have been instrumental in integrating LGBTQ+ inclusive practices across employee training, clinical care and community outreach initiatives.
