Holyoke Medical Center has achieved The Joint Commission’s Healthcare Equity Certification for excellence in its efforts to provide equitable care, treatment, and services.

The designation came after Holyoke Medical Center underwent a rigorous onsite review on May 13. During that visit, The Joint Commission evaluated compliance with certification standards under the following domains: leadership, collaboration, data collection, provision of care, and performance improvement. The designation recognizes Holyoke for establishing structures and processes to decrease healthcare disparities within its patient populations.

In 2023, The Joint Commission incorporated the new health equity elements as part of its triennial accreditation reviews. As part of the state’s historic MassHealth waiver program, all Massachusetts acute care hospitals were evaluated for adherence to the TJC health equity guidelines whether or not they were up for their triennial accreditation. All were found to be in compliance, making Massachusetts the first state in the nation to achieve the TJC health equity standards. Then Massachusetts hospitals prepared to meet TJC’s health equity certification standards – a more advanced level of expectations – which Holyoke Medical Center has now met.

“Holyoke Medical Center is proud to be recognized for its efforts to provide equitable health care to everyone,” said Spiros Hatiras, president and CEO of the hospital and Valley Health Systems. “This certification is a testament to our team members who provide high quality, compassionate care to all of our patients, every day.”

“Providing equitable health care and reducing barriers to care is not new to Holyoke Medical Center,” added Sr. Vice President and Chief Quality Officer Avadhoot Gokhale. “We have a specific Health Equity Strategic Plan to guide our organization in addressing the needs of our community. These initiatives have been ongoing for years and are identified in our Community Health Needs Assessments, including free transportation to healthcare services, access to nutritious food, access to health insurance, workforce development, and a myriad of other services.”

Another way Holyoke Medical Center is improving health equity is by expanding data collection from patients and offering additional screening tools. The information collected gives Holyoke Medical Center a better understanding of the patient population, as well as insights to improve patient care, enhance treatment protocols, and provide education to specific populations.