Stony Brook University Hospital, Stony Brook Children’s Hospital, Stony Brook Southampton Hospital and Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital have once again earned national recognition for advancing inclusive, equitable care, each being named an “LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader” for 2026 by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Healthcare Equality Index (HEI). All four hospitals received a perfect score of 100 on the national benchmarking survey, which evaluates healthcare organizations on non-discrimination policies, staff training, patient services and support, employee benefits and community engagement initiatives. Nearly 750 healthcare facilities completed the HEI survey. Stony Brook Medicine facilities were among the 44 percent of participants who received the Healthcare Equality Leader designation.
“This recognition reflects the work happening every day across our hospitals to create environments where every patient feels seen, respected and supported,” said William A. Wertheim, MD, MBA, executive vice president at Stony Brook Medicine. “Delivering equitable, inclusive care means continually listening, learning and strengthening how we serve our diverse communities. We are proud to foster spaces where patients, families and employees know they belong and can access the best care with dignity and compassion.”
“Being named a LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader once again highlights the ongoing work happening across our health system to advance inclusive, equitable care for LGBTQ+* patients and families,” said Carol A. Gomes, chief executive officer of Stony Brook University Hospital. “As healthcare continues to evolve, we remain focused on expanding access, strengthening inclusive practices and ensuring every patient receives high-quality, equitable care.”
Over the past year, Stony Brook Medicine’s hospitals have continued to expand and strengthen efforts to provide affirming, patient-centered care for LGBTQ+* individuals and families across Long Island. Through ongoing staff education, inclusive policies and practices, expanded specialty services and community engagement initiatives, the health system has worked to ensure patients feel respected, represented and supported at every stage of care. Patients have access to culturally sensitive services across a wide range of specialties, including gender-affirming care, HIV prevention and treatment, adolescent care, mental health support, reproductive healthcare and specialty clinics such as the Pride Clinic and the Edie Windsor Healthcare Center. These efforts reflect an organization-wide commitment to reducing healthcare disparities, improving access and creating welcoming environments where every patient can receive compassionate, equitable care regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.
“Being recognized as an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader highlights our commitment to ensuring every patient feels welcomed, respected and supported throughout their healthcare journey,” said Emily Mastaler, chief administrative officer of Stony Brook Southampton Hospital. “We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive culture that helps all patients feel safe, valued and cared for at every stage of their healthcare experience.”
“Providing equitable, affirming care for every patient — regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity — is central to who we are as a healthcare organization,” said Paul Connor, chief administrative officer of Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital. “By continuing to listen, learn and lead with compassion, we help build stronger, more inclusive communities.”
Stony Brook Medicine continues to grow its dynamic LGBTQ+* Committee among all of its hospitals to address the needs of the LGBTQ+* community, including patients, faculty, staff and trainees. The multidisciplinary group is made up of medical and behavioral health providers and trainees, nurses, students, education specialists, and representatives from Human Resources, Information Technology and hospital administration. Its mission is to review, address and affirm the specific and unique needs of LGBTQ+* individuals, as well as promote respectful and culturally sensitive care to the LGBTQ+* community.
Read the full 2026 Healthcare Equality Index here.
