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Three Tenet hospitals recognized as LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leaders

Three of Tenet Healthcare’s hospitals in California recently earned distinction as LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leaders by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC). After a comprehensive assessment process by the HRC, Twin Cities Community Hospital (Templeton), Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center (San Luis Obispo) and Desert Regional Medical Center (Palm Springs) all scored a perfect 100 on the 2022 Healthcare Equality Index.

“Being part of a community means more than living in the same area – it means you share kinship and are safe among those who care about you,” said Mark Lisa, CEO of Twin Cities Community Hospital and Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center. “That is exactly what Tenet Health Central Coast is all about. Everyone who enters our doors is treated as a person with respect and individual concern because we are a place of healing for all, regardless of background, beliefs or identity expression.”

“We strive to provide excellent care to all our patients each day but receiving this recognition for the care we provide the LGBTQ+ community is and will always be an incredibly special honor,” added Michele Finney, CEO of Desert Regional Medical Center.

Pride in the Plaza event
Pictured: The Twin Cities Community Hospital and Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center tent at “Pride in the Plaza” in San Luis Obispo, CA

The HRC designation evaluates healthcare providers across five criteria:

  1. Non-Discrimination & Staff Training
  2. Patient Services & Support
  3. Employee Benefits & Policies
  4. Patient & Community Engagement
  5. Responsible Citizenship

“The Healthcare Equality Index, at its core, strives to ensure LGBTQ+ people are protected and affirmed by their healthcare providers and feel safe seeking services,” said Tari Hanneman, Director of Health & Aging at The Human Rights Campaign. “Our HEI active participants are truly pioneering the healthcare industry by implementing robust, comprehensive LGBTQ+ inclusive policies that hopefully, because of their work, will become standard practice.”

This year marks the 4th consecutive recognition by the HRC for Twin Cities, the 3rd consecutive recognition for Sierra Vista and the 7th consecutive recognition for Desert Regional Medical Center.