Harvard Vanguard Named "Top 10" Performer in the Healthcare Equality Index (HEI) 2009

Newton, MA - (May 12, 2009) - Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates, a multi-specialty physician group serving 460,000 adults and children at 20 practice sites throughout eastern Massachusetts, was named a “top performer” in the Healthcare Equality Index (HEI) 2009. The HEI is an annual survey administered by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation and Gay and Lesbian Medical Association. Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates earned top marks for its treatment of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender patients and employees. The organization joins 166 other hospitals and clinics which participated in the survey.

Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates earned the distinction of being one of 10 participants to answer “yes” to each of the survey’s main criterion which applied to them.

"Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates is very proud to be among the 10 organizations nationwide meeting all the standards of the Healthcare Equality Index survey," said Dr. Gene Lindsey, president and CEO of Harvard Vanguard. "A cornerstone value of our medical practice has always been to deliver patient-centered care, to seek to know our patients as individuals, and offer them compassionate care that respects their unique needs. We support the work of the Human Rights Campaign and the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association in their efforts to reduce discrimination and ensure quality health care for the LGBT community."

The HEI focuses on key policies and practices that ensure culturally competent healthcare for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender patients and families. These policies include: patient non-discrimination, visitation and decision-making.

For more information on the Healthcare Equality Index 2009, or to download a free copy of the report, visit www.hrc.org/hei.