PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC), the educational arm of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, released the biennial 2026 Healthcare Equality Index (HEI), the industry standard benchmarking tool for LGBTQ+ inclusion and equity practices in the health care field.   

 

By choosing to participate in this voluntary assessment, healthcare facilities can identify strengths, gaps, and areas for continued action in meeting the needs of LGBTQ+ patients and staff. Both Berkshire Medical Center and Fairview Hospital were ranked as High Performers by implementing policies and practices that ensure equitable, inclusive care for LGBTQ+ patients, visitors, and employees. As a newly licensed hospital, North Adams Regional Hospital expects to apply for HEI recognition in a future cycle. 

 

"Every patient deserves safe, respectful, inclusive, dignified healthcare," said Darlene Rodowicz, Berkshire Health Systems President and CEO. "As part of our commitment to advancing health and wellness for everyone in our community, we are proud to have Berkshire Medical Center and Fairview Hospital recognized as LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality High Performers in the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's 2026 Healthcare Equality Index."

 

Kelley Robinson, president of the Human Rights Campaign, stated, "It's vital for all LGBTQ+ people to get the most accurate information we have on access to care across the country, and we are proud of the ways in which the HEI helps the community understand this."

 

The HEI helps healthcare facilities maintain and strengthen LGBTQ+-inclusive care even under extraordinary pressure. The report offers aggregate findings, benchmarks, and guidance for adaptation. The standard remains: every patient deserves safe, respectful, inclusive, and dignified care. In the 2026 edition of the HEI, overall participation remained strong, despite a challenging moment for LGBTQ+ inclusive health care.