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Tennessee Valley One of Two Healthcare Systems to Earn “LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality High Performer” Designation

PRESS RELEASE

May 31, 2024

Nashville , TN — On May 7, Department of Veteran Affairs Tennessee Valley Healthcare System (TVHS) announced its “LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality High Performer” designation from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC). The designation was awarded in the 16th iteration of HRC’s Healthcare Equality Index (HEI).

Tennessee Valley Healthcare System is one of 34 Veteran Affairs Medical Centers nationwide earning the “LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality High Performer” distinction. 

  • TVHS earned a 95 out of 100 in the HEI scorecard, which designated TVHS as a HEI High Performer.  
  • Vanderbilt University Medical Center received the highest score in the state with a 100 and is considered an equality leader.  

  • In addition to TVHS, Memphis VA Medical Center earned a 90 out of 100. 

     

TVHS and Memphis are the only two hospitals in Tennessee, among VA and non-VA, to earn the HEI High Performer Distinction. 

The HEI survey was established in 2007 and examines the equitable and inclusive care of inpatient facilities that provide general medical and surgical care. Facilities are examined in four areas:  

  • Foundational elements of LGBTQ+ patient centered care 
  • Patient Services and Support 
  • Employee Benefits and Policies 
  • And Patient and Community Engagement 

 

“Our participation in the HEI Survey is critical for us and our community. With this survey, we know the value and effectiveness of the care we provide to Veterans and LGBTQ+ identifying Veterans,” said TVHS Executive Director Daniel Ducker. 

  • A record 1,065 health care facilities actively participated in the HEI 2024 survey and scoring process.  
  • Of those participants, 462 received the “LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality High Performer” designation.  
  • Only 34 VA Medical Centers nationwide earned a score of 95 out of 100.

  

Programs such as the HEI are essential for tackling the obstacles to health care that LGBTQ+ individuals encounter and fostering diversity within healthcare systems. By prioritizing LGBTQ+ patients' needs and ensuring compliance with non-discrimination regulations, health care facilities can play a pivotal role in improving access to care and addressing health disparities within the LGBTQ+ community. 

“Our nation’s heroes deserve the best health care possible, and the best health care attends to all aspects of the person. We want to create a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment for our Veterans and employees so we can earn their trust and attend to their needs. The High Performer designation demonstrates our commitment to serving all who served,” said LGBTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinator Dr. Nicholas Denton. 

VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System is an integrated tertiary health care system comprised of two hospitals, the Alvin C. York campus in Murfreesboro and the Nashville campus, as well as 20 community-based outpatient clinics located in Tennessee and Kentucky. TVHS provides ambulatory care, primary care, and secondary care in acute medicine and surgery, specialized tertiary care, transplant services, spinal cord injury outpatient care, and a full range of extended care and mental health services. 

Media contacts

Abby Woodruff, Public Affairs Specialist

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