Two Coachella Valley hospitals recognized for LGBTQ+ inclusive care during Pride Month

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) - As Pride Month comes to a close, two of Coachella Valley hospitals are receiving national recognition for their efforts to provide inclusive care for LGBTQ+ patients.

Eisenhower Health in Rancho Mirage has been named an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality High Performer by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation.

Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs was named a Healthcare Equality Leader and received a perfect score of 100 on the index.

The designation is apart of the Healthcare Equality Index, which is a national tool that evaluates hospitals on polices and practices related to LGBTQ+ patient care, visitor experience, and workplace inclusion.

Mike Thompson, the CEO of LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert said "often times people come to us because they've had frustrations in accessing the appropriate type of care."

They then look to the center to find out who they can go to and what care one needs based on their identity, then they "Point to Eisenhower because we know they're going to get the care they need at Eisenhower Health " said Thompson.

Hospitals included in the index say they will continue expanding efforts to ensure respectful and equitable care for all patients.

"It's a wonderful recognition of the time, energy and effort we as an organization have put into delivering health care to everyone in our community, especially the LGBTQ plus community who come to us with special needs and concerns and requests." said Carl Enzor, Chief Administrative officer of primary care and speciality care, Eisenhower health.