All Five UMass Memorial Hospitals Earn Prestigious Health Equity Certification

In 2025, UMass Memorial hospitals achieved a landmark milestone: all five of our hospitals — Harrington Hospital, HealthAlliance-Clinton Hospital, Marlborough Hospital, Milford Regional Medical Center, and UMass Memorial Medical Center — earned the Joint Commission’s Excellent Health Outcomes for All Certification.

This advanced certification recognizes hospitals that demonstrate a strategic commitment to health equity and patient safety. It evaluates how acute care hospitals implement policies, processes, and procedures to ensure that every patient receives equitable, high-quality care, regardless of background, identity or circumstance.

This milestone reflects the sustained efforts of caregivers, leaders and community partners across our system. It also supports our participation in the MassHealth Hospital Quality and Equity Incentive Program, which rewards hospitals for reducing health disparities and improving outcomes.

“This certification is more than a badge — it’s a reflection of our values,” said Eric Alper, MD, Senior Vice President, Chief Quality Officer and Chief Informatics Officer, UMass Memorial Health. “We’re proud to be part of a system that leads with purpose and cares for the whole person — acknowledging that social factors, culture and language impact patient experience and health care outcomes.”

With all five hospitals certified, UMass Memorial joins a select group of health systems helping Massachusetts become one of the first states to achieve full certification under this program. This accomplishment underscores our unwavering commitment to health equity — and to delivering excellent outcomes for all.

Each hospital underwent a rigorous review of their inpatient and emergency departments. The Joint Commission assessed:

• Identification of health equity leaders

• Communication with patients with Limited English Proficiency and communication disabilities

• Accommodation for patients with disabilities

• Screening and follow-up for Social Drivers of Health

• Processes to address discrimination and bias

• Use of stratified quality and safety data to identify disparities and drive improvement •