BATTLE CREEK, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — On Monday, March 28, The Battle Creek VA Medical Center received an evaluation of 95 out of 100 and the designation of “LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Top Performer” in the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 15th anniversary edition of the Healthcare Equality Index (HEI), the nation’s foremost benchmarking survey of healthcare facilities on policies and practices dedicated to the equitable treatment and inclusion of their LGBTQ+ patients, visitors and employees.
A record 906 healthcare facilities actively participated in the 2022 HEI survey and 251 of those earned an “LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Top Performer” designation.
“It is an honor to serve all who served,” said Michelle Martin, Executive medical Center Director. “This designation shows the dedication of our staff to ensure a safe space for LGBTQ+ Veterans and that we provide inclusive care for all.”
The HEI evaluates and scores healthcare facilities on detailed criteria falling under four central pillars:
Foundational Policies and Training in LGBTQ+ Patient-Centered Care, LGBTQ+ Patient Services and Support, Employee Benefits and Policies, and Patient and Community Engagement.
The Battle Creek VA Medical Center consists of 66 medical and psychiatric beds, 101 residential rehabilitation beds, and 109 nursing home care unit beds.
In addition, specialized services offered include a palliative care Unit, a substance abuse clinic, a post-traumatic stress disorder program and a domiciliary.
The medical center serves more than 40,000 veterans each year in 22 counties of the Southwest Michigan area.
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