Happy Pride Month! At BCBSRI, our mission is to advance health and well-being for all Rhode Islanders. That means ensuring every person—across every community—can access care that is respectful, inclusive, and responsive to who they are.
As part of that commitment, we are proud to support LGBTQ+ Rhode Islanders and to work alongside partners across the state to strengthen inclusive care environments that ultimately benefit all patients.
This Pride Month, we invite you to learn about our LGBTQ+ Safe Zone Program and consider joining this growing network of care settings committed to delivering affirming, patient-centered care. It’s a tangible way you and your team can help ensure that every Rhode Islander feels seen, respected, and comfortable accessing care.
What is the Safe Zone Program?
The Safe Zone Program certifies healthcare practices and community-based organizations that have made a formal commitment to providing inclusive, affirming, and respectful care for LGBTQ+ patients—strengthening care environments in ways that improve the experience for all patients.
Certification reflects alignment with best practices across areas like staff training, policies and procedures, and the overall patient experience.
What does certification involve?
To become a Safe Zone, providers apply for certification and meet a set of criteria focused on creating a welcoming, inclusive patient experience, including:
- Staff training on LGBTQ+ inclusive care
- Inclusive policies and procedures
- Affirming patient interactions (e.g., respecting names, pronouns, identity)
- Supportive physical environments, such as gender-neutral restrooms
- Availability of resources to support LGBTQ+ patients
BCBSRI provides guidance and resources to help practices meet these criteria and prepare for certification.
Why it matters
When care environments are inclusive and affirming, all patients benefit. For many LGBTQ+ individuals, finding a provider they feel comfortable with can be a barrier to seeking care. The Safe Zone Program helps reduce that barrier while also strengthening trust, communication, and overall experience across patient populations.
Each year, over 1,000 Rhode Islanders view and interact with BCBSRI’s Safe Zone directory, helping connect individuals and families with providers committed to inclusive, high-quality care.
For providers, certification offers:
- Visibility in the BCBSRI Safe Zone directory, available to all Rhode Islanders
- A structured, research-informed framework for advancing inclusive care practices
- An opportunity to demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care for diverse populations
- Connection to a growing network of over 110 Safe Zone providers across Rhode Island
Getting started
The annual deadline to apply or complete recertification is December 20. It’s a great time to get started and learn more.
Providers can learn more about the program and submit an application here: https://www.bcbsri.com/providers/form/safe-zone-application
If you have questions or would like to connect with the Safe Zone team, please reach out to scott.gowrie@bcbsri.org.