Planned Parenthood North Central States Named a Health Care Equity Top Performer By the Human Rights Campaign
For Immediate Release: April 28, 2022 (Updated: April 28, 2022, 7:06 p.m.)
Designation recognizes inclusive experiences for LGBTQ+ patients, visitors and employees
St. Paul, Minn.—Planned Parenthood North Central States has been named a Top Performer for LGBTQ+ inclusive health care by the Human Rights Campaign. The Healthcare Equality Index (HEI) is the national LGBTQ+ benchmarking tool that evaluates how equitable patient and employee experiences are for LGBTQ+ individuals in health care practices across the country.
A record 906 health care facilities participated in the 2022 HEI survey, with 251 being named a Top Performer. Health care providers who receive a score of 80-95 are recognized as Top Performers and those who achieve a perfect score of 100 are celebrated as HEI leaders. PPNCS received a top-performing score of 95.
“We are honored to be recognized for our dedication to equity and inclusion,” said Sarah Stoesz, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood North Central States. “I am so proud of our work to support LGBTQ+ individuals in our region, especially those who face barriers to care including folks in rural areas, those with low incomes and patients without a visible and supportive LGBTQ+ community in their area. As politicians attack trans people and pass cruel legislation, we want every person to know that Planned Parenthood is dedicated to being a leader in advancing LGBTQ+ heath care.”
PPNCS offers a variety of health care services for LGBTQ patients. Plus, PPNCS has a LGBTQ Care Coordination Team that works with patients to answer questions and hear feedback about their gender affirming hormone therapy care and connect patients with vital resources including information on name and gender marker changes, gender-affirming surgeries, support groups, affirming primary and mental health care, and more.
“Planned Parenthood will always stand with, and be a part of, the LGBTQ community,” said Stoesz. “We are proud to offer inclusive health care and to fiercely advocate for a more inclusive world.”
###
Planned Parenthood North Central States and its subsidiary organizations provide, promote, and protect reproductive and sexual health through high quality care, education and advocacy. A member of America’s most trusted reproductive health care provider, our affiliate is proud to support and operate 28 health centers across our five-state region (Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota). Each year, we provide health care to nearly 115,000 people and health education to more than 55,000 people in our region.