Pride counts at the Minneapolis VA

This comes on the heels of the medical health care system being recognized as a "LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality High Performer" by the Human Rights Campaign's Healthcare Equality Index (HEI) 2024. 

"We are honored to be recognized as an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality High Performer and to have the opportunity to connect with the community at Twin Cities Pride," said LGBTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinator Molly Smith, MSW, LICSW. "Our participation in this event reflects our ongoing dedication to serve all who served by promoting healthcare equity and providing compassionate, affirming care for all patients, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity."  

LGBTQ+ Veterans have served our country in every war since the Revolution, but they have not always gotten the care and benefits that they so rightly deserve. With that in mind, the Minneapolis VA continues to work hard to show their commitment to providing LGBTQ+ Veterans – and ALL Veterans – world-class health care in a safe, welcoming, and discrimination-free environment. 

The HEI is a national benchmarking tool that evaluates healthcare facilities' policies and practices related to the equitable treatment and inclusion of LGBTQ+ patients, visitors, and employees in areas to include: non-discrimination and staff training, patient services and support, employee benefits and policies, and patient and community engagement. 

The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation designed the HEI to allow U.S. health care organizations to assess the degree to which they provide LGBTQ+ patient-centered care, to identify and remedy any gaps and to make public their commitment to LGBTQ+ patients and their families. 

Melanie Nelson, Public Affairs Officer

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