Diversity Patient Advocates
UHS is committed to ensuring equity in healthcare access, relations within the healthcare system, and medical treatment offered. To address concerns related to discrimination across lines of ethnicity, race, gender, gender identity, and sexual orientation, UHS has two appointed patient advocates who work with leadership and campus resources to address patient concerns.
- Patients with concerns about ethnic or racial discrimination, contact Angela Abraham, OD: 413-577-3937
- Patients with concerns based on gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation, contact Cindy Hildebrand, RN: 413-577-5040
Transgender Health
UHS provides transgender and gender non-conforming students with primary care, including gender-affirming hormone therapy. A team of providers is available to provide information and prescribe hormone therapy. In addition, UHS will administer and monitor hormones prescribed by outside endocrinologists or healthcare providers, and can also refer patients to local providers who can prescribe, administer and monitor hormone therapy.
UHS also refers patients to local surgeons who perform gender-affirming surgeries. The Student Health Benefit Plan covers hormone therapy for transitioning students, and the most common gender-affirming surgical procedures. Other health insurance plans may also provide coverage.
