The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) was named a 2022 Top Performer in the Human Rights Campaign’s Healthcare Equality Index.
The survey is used to evaluate health care facilities and measure their support for the needs of LGBTQ+ patients and employees. UAMS, which was named a Top Performer in 2020 as well, currently holds a rating of 95 out of 100 in the index. That score indicates that UAMS goes beyond the basics in its policies and practices in LGBTQ+ care.
Five criteria are measured to determine how inclusive a health care facility is: nondiscrimination and staff training; patient services and support; employee benefits and policies; patient and community engagement; and responsible citizenship.
The UAMS LGBTQ+ Subcommittee advocates for equitable health care services for students, employees and patients. It promotes a welcoming campus climate by increasing inclusion, awareness and education for the LGBTQ+ community. The group has worked to add pronoun placards to nametags and advocated for unisex bathrooms across the campus.
The campus is also home to a Gender Clinic, which provides surgical and hormonal treatment to transgender and gender-nonconforming patients. Additionally, the UAMS 12th Street Health and Wellness Clinic hosts Rainbow Night monthly to provide safe, free, nonjudgmental care for LGBTQ+ patients.
“Our recognition speaks to the quality of care we provide at UAMS,” Gittens said. “We always strive to do our best and will continue to push for equality and inclusivity.”