All four of UnityPoint Health-Des Moines’ hospitals — Blank Children’s Hospital, Iowa Methodist Medical Center, Iowa Lutheran Hospital and Methodist West Hospital — received the top ranking of 100 in a national ranking of hospitals’ LGBTQ policies, the health system announced. The Des Moines hospitals were among 496 health care facilities nationally to be designated as a LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader. The Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 15th anniversary edition of the Healthcare Equality Index benchmarks health care facilities on policies and practices dedicated to the equitable treatment and inclusion of their LGBTQ+ patients, visitors and employees. A record 906 health care facilities actively participated in the 2022 survey. “I am extremely proud of the hard work and dedication of our team members, providers and board members to achieve Leader Status from HEI,” said David Stark, president and CEO of UnityPoint Health-Des Moines. “Health equity is so important to us and making sure the LGBTQ+ community feels welcome here is essential.” The VA Central Iowa Healthcare System also received the designation, with a score of 90. Broadlawns Medical Center and MercyOne Medical Center-Des Moines were not ranked in the survey.