One of 251 healthcare providers nation-wide to receive the “LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Top Performer” designation 

Orlando Health Winnie Palmer has received an evaluation of 95 out of 100 and the designation of “LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Top Performer” in the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Healthcare Equality Index (HEI). For the last 15 years, the HEI has been 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 only 251 of those earned an “LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Top Performer” designation. Orlando Health Winnie Palmer is one of only two facilities in Central Florida to receive this accolade.  

“As one of the largest women and baby facilities in the country, we care for our patients during some of their most memorable and intimate life moments,” said Kelly Nierstedt, president of Orlando Health Winnie Palmer and senior vice president of Orlando Health. “We’re proud to serve our LGBTQ+ community and want to ensure that everyone – from patients and their guests to hospital team members – feels safe and welcome just as they are.”  

The HEI evaluates and scores healthcare facilities on detailed criteria falling under four central pillars:  

“We are honored to receive this designation recognizing our commitment to inclusive and equitable care to our LGBTQ+ patients, guests and team members,” said Quibulah Graham, senior director of diversity & minority business development at Orlando Health. “We serve a diverse community in Central Florida and every person who comes through our doors deserves to be treated with respect, dignity and the absolute best care.” 

To view the full 2022 HEI report and results, visit hrc.org/hei.