Three M Health Fairview hospitals named “High Performers” in 2024 LGBTQ+ health equity index

M Health Fairview Ridges, Southdale, and Woodwinds Hospitals have all been recognized as LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality High Performers in the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s (HRC) 2024 Healthcare Equality Index (HEI).

The designation recognizes healthcare facilities’ dedication to health equity, and how well they provide a safe, welcoming, competent, and inclusive environment for patients, visitors, and employees who identify as LGBTQIA2S+.

Ridges Hospital and Woodwinds Hospital were previously honored by HRC in 2022. This was the first time Southdale Hospital participated in and was recognized by the index.

The HEI evaluates and scores facilities based on detailed criteria in five main categories:

Ridges Hospital received a 95/100 score, and Southdale and Woodwinds hospitals both earned 90/100. A record 1,065 healthcare facilities actively participated in the HEI 2024 survey and scoring process, up from 906 in the 2022 survey. Sixteen Minnesota hospitals participated. Ridges, Southdale, and Woodwinds Hospitals are three of 462 facilities nationwide that earned the “High Performer” designation this year.

The HEI was launched in 2007 to help LGBTQIA2S+ people and communities find healthcare that is equitable, knowledgeable, sensitive, and free from discrimination – and to recognize healthcare facilities and systems that are leaders in providing LGBTQIA2S+-centered care.

“The support of the team members at Ridges, Southdale, and Woodwinds Hospitals throughout the HRC HEI evaluation process was incredibly gratifying; it is a testament to our system’s commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion for our employees and patients,” said Duane Orlovski, health equity program manager for the Equity Strategy Office. Orlovski oversaw the HRC HEI evaluation process for the system. “Participating in the HEI allows us to see where we can continuously improve as an employer and a healthcare provider.”

The Equity Strategy Office, which works to embed equity practices in all areas of our health system, partnered with the M Health Fairview Pride Alliance Group for Equality (PAGE), an employee resource group (ERG) committed to cultivating an inclusive and diverse workplace, and others across our organization to submit HEI applications on behalf of the hospitals. The process took nearly eight months and included assessment of current policies and leader training for Southdale, as a new participant. To complete the recertification process, Ridges and Woodwinds staff also completed training.

“With each completion of an HRC HEI evaluation, we’ve expanded our qualifying sites, and each time our sites excel,” said Derek Harley, system manager for EHR/HIT Learning Development & Delivery, and leader of Pride Alliance Group for Equality Employee Resource Group. “These Top Performer scores underscore our commitment to prioritizing the well-being of every community member and affirms our leadership in employing and caring for the LGBTQIA2S+ communities.”

Chris Taylor, EdD, and vice president of People Experience and Inclusion also expressed pride.

"Fairview is committed to cultivating a culture of support and belonging," Taylor said, "and awards like this are one way we see progress. We can only accomplish this by working together and showing a commitment to continued learning."