New York, NY – UNS: NYC Health + Hospitals announced that 18 of its facilities, including all 11 hospitals and seven Gotham Health primary care sites, have been recognized as 2026 LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leaders by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation. Each facility received a perfect score of 100 for excellence in LGBTQ+ patient care, equity, and inclusion.
The health system has consistently earned the prestigious designation since 2015. The recognition comes as part of the HRC Foundation’s biennial 2026 Healthcare Equality Index (HEI), a national benchmark that evaluates healthcare organizations on LGBTQ+ inclusion and equitable care practices.
James Derham, Director for LGBTQ+ Equity at NYC Health + Hospitals, said the achievement reflects the system’s commitment to providing safe, affirming, and equitable healthcare services for LGBTQ+ patients, visitors, employees, and communities across New York City.
“As the largest municipal healthcare system in the nation, serving a city with the country’s largest LGBTQ+ population, we remain dedicated to delivering affirming care without exception,” Derham said. “We are proud that all 18 eligible facilities once again earned the LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader designation, a distinction we have maintained since 2015.”
The recognition highlights NYC Health + Hospitals’ continued efforts in advancing best practices related to non-discrimination policies, staff training, patient support services, employee benefits, and community engagement.
According to the HRC Foundation, only 44% of participating healthcare facilities nationwide achieved the highest-level designation in 2026.
The Human Rights Campaign Foundation is the educational arm of the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest LGBTQ+ civil rights organization.
