Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates Named LGBT Healthcare Equality Leader by Human Rights Campaign

Concord, Mass. – July 11, 2013 – Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates has been recognized as a “Leader in LGBT Healthcare Equality” in the Healthcare Equality Index 2013, an annual survey conducted by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the country’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) organization. Harvard Vanguard earned top marks for its commitment to equitable, inclusive care for LGBT patients and their families, who can face significant challenges in securing adequate healthcare.

“We are proud to be recognized as a Leader in LGBT Healthcare Equality for the second year in a row,” said Dr. Gene Lindsey, Harvard Vanguard President and CEO. “Our mission is to understand our patients’ individual needs and provide compassionate care for each and every patient, regardless of sexual orientation.”

Harvard Vanguard, with a practice location in Concord, was one of a select group of 464 healthcare facilities nationwide to be named a Leader in LGBT Healthcare Equality. Facilities awarded this title meet key criteria for equitable care, including non-discrimination policies for LGBT patients and employees, a guarantee of equal visitation for same-sex partners and parents, and LGBT health education for key staff members.

Harvard Vanguard was congratulated by HRC Health & Aging Director Shane Snowdon. “LGBT patients deeply appreciate the welcoming environment provided by a Leader in LGBT Healthcare Equality. It makes a big difference to know that your local healthcare facility is fully committed to giving you the same care it gives your neighbors and co-workers.”

Harvard Vanguard is a multi-specialty physician practice with offices across eastern Massachusetts and an affiliate of Atrius Health. The Concord practice of Harvard Vanguard is located at 330 Baker Avenue. 

For more information about the HRC Healthcare Equality Index 2013, or to download a free copy of the report, visit www.hrc.org/hei.

About Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates

Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates is a nonprofit multi-specialty medical group providing care to 510,000 adult and pediatric patients at more than 22 offices across eastern Massachusetts. As an affiliate of Harvard Medical School, Harvard Vanguard physicians are on the staff of Boston’s academic medical centers and community hospitals. Harvard Vanguard’s 4,300 employees, including more than 630 physicians and 1,000 healthcare professionals, are committed to making it easier for patients to be and stay healthy. Harvard Vanguard practices are among the highest rated in the state for clinical quality and accept insurance from most major health plans, including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield of MA, Fallon Community Health Plan, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, Neighborhood Health Plan, Tufts Health Plan, and Tufts Health Plan Medicare Preferred. Harvard Vanguard is an affiliate of Atrius Health (http://www.atriushealth.org), an alliance of six non-profit community-based medical groups and a home health care, private duty nursing and hospice agency in Massachusetts.