June 17, 2026
Valley Health System is pleased to announce its designation as an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader in the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation’s biennial 2026 Healthcare Equality Index (HEI).
This designation is awarded to medical facilities who score a perfect 100 on the HEI – only 44% of the 750 healthcare facilities who participated in the HEI survey – according to the HRC Foundation. Healthcare organizations are scored on non-discrimination and staff training, patient services and support, patient identification and data collection, patient and community engagement, responsible citizenship, and additional categories.
The HRC Foundation cites the HEI as the industry standard benchmarking tool for LGBTQ+ inclusion and equity practices in the healthcare field, helping healthcare facilities maintain and strengthen LGBTQ+-inclusive care. The report offers aggregate findings, benchmarks, and guidance. The standard of the HEI remains: Every patient deserves safe, respectful, inclusive, and dignified care.
“This designation reflects our ongoing efforts to provide safe, supportive, and high-quality care to every person we serve, while maintaining an environment where everyone can thrive,” said Robert Brenner, MD, MMM, FACHE, President and Chief Executive Officer for Valley Health System.
"We are honored to receive this distinction as a healthcare equality leader, as it reinforces our commitment to providing comprehensive and affirming healthcare services that promote the health and well-being of all members of the LGBTQ+ community,” said Raffaele M. Bernardo, DO, Medical Director of LGBTQ+ Services for Valley Medical Group.
The HRC describes itself as the nation’s largest LGBTQ+ civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) people, with 3.6 million members and supporters. The HRC Foundation works to ensure LGBTQ+ people are safe, seen, and supported where it matters most: at school, at work, and in every community across the country.
To read the full 2026 Healthcare Equality Index report, please click here.