Hines VA Named Top Performer in Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2022 Healthcare Equality Index

The HEI index is considered among the nation’s foremost benchmarking surveys of healthcare facilities on policies and practices dedicated to the equitable treatment and inclusion of their

LGBTQ+ patients, visitors and staff.

“LGBTQ+ Veterans face increased stressors, health risks, and unique challenges in accessing health care as a result of stigma, stress, and discrimination,” said Lorry Luscri, LGBTQ+ Veteran

Care Coordinator. “VA serves all who served, and these Veterans deserve the best quality care that is provided in an affirming and welcoming environment.”

The HEI evaluates and scores healthcare facilities using four central pillars:

A record 906 healthcare facilities participated in the 2022 HEI survey. Hines VA joins 251 facilities to earn the “Top Performer” designation with scores between 80 to 95 points and at least

partial credit in each section. Hines VA received a perfect score in all categories, except “Responsible Citizenship,” of which the facility was not evaluated.

“While so many Transgender women are so afraid of being themselves in the light of normal day to day living, Transgender Veterans have nearly all of the support that they might need to

transition to and then live as women. For us, that is everything that makes life worth living,” said Marilu Fanning, a Navy Veteran when asked about her experience as a Hines VA LGBTQ+

Veteran.

To learn more about Hines VA’s LGBTQ+ Veteran care, visit: www.va.gov/hines-health-care/health-services/lgbtq-veteran-care