Rush hospitals have once again been named LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leaders in the Human Rights Campaign’s Healthcare Equality Index.
Rush University Medical Center has been named a leader since 2010, Rush Oak Park Hospital has received 10 consecutive leader designations, and Rush Copley Medical Center received leader designations in 2019, 2020, 2022 and 2024.
“Dignity, compassion and respect are fundamental to offering quality care for everyone,” said Ildemaro J. González, chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer for Rush University System for Health. “We are deeply honored that the Human Rights Campaign Foundation has named Rush a national leader again. Our staff make this possible through the excellent care they provide, ensuring every patient receives safe, inclusive, respectful and dignified care.”
The Healthcare Equality Index is a biannual survey that serves as a benchmarking tool of how U.S. healthcare facilities treat lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer or questioning patients and their families, along with their own LGBTQ+ employees. The HEI offers benchmarks and guidance to help healthcare facilities maintain and strengthen LGBTQ+-inclusive care.
All three hospitals received the maximum score in each section, for a total score of 100 points, in the 2026 HEI findings that were announced in late May.
The HEI evaluates and scores healthcare facilities on detailed criteria in the following areas:
- Nondiscrimination and staff training
- Patient services and support
- Employee benefits and policies
- Patient and community engagement
- Responsible citizenship
Rush’s commitment to fostering a welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ patients, students, employees and visitors includes the LGBTQ+ Leadership Council of Rush’s Diversity Leadership Council. It provides guidance to all three Rush hospitals about diversity issues and hosts events throughout the year to promote diversity. All at Rush are welcome to participate in the LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group, and Rush University students can join the LGBTQ+ affinity group.
Rush believes that every patient deserves safe, inclusive, respectful and dignified care, and that everyone should get the chance to be healthy.
