NYC Health + Hospitals has achieved a major milestone in inclusive health care: all five of its post-acute care facilities have been named LGBTQ+ Long-Term Care Equality Leaders in the 2025 Long-Term Care Equality Index (LEI).
This national recognition, awarded by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation and SAGE, honors nursing homes that uphold strong policies and practices to support LGBTQ+ residents. Of the 274 facilities evaluated across 33 states, only 11 percent received this designation, making the achievement especially noteworthy.
The Long-Term Care Equality Index is the nation’s only standardized tool focused on measuring LGBTQ+ inclusion in long-term care. Updated every two years, the LEI offers facilities guidance and resources to improve services and ensure culturally competent care. Facilities are assessed on several key areas, including non-discrimination policies, staff training, inclusive benefits, and community engagement.
“NYC Health + Hospitals has a long-standing history of providing culturally sensitive and inclusive care to LGBTQ+ patients, and our post-acute care facilities are proud to be recognized as equality leaders in long-term care,” said NYC Health + Hospitals Senior Vice President for Post-Acute Care Khoi Luong, DO, MBA.
This recognition comes at a time when inclusive care for aging LGBTQ+ adults is increasingly vital. A recent AARP study revealed that 78 percent of LGBTQ+ adults aged 45 and older worry about aging without adequate support. Many face unique challenges such as being single, childless, or disconnected from family, factors that can make long-term care needs more complex. Health systems are now being called upon to meet these challenges with empathy, awareness, and inclusive practices.
“This achievement reflects our dedication to ensuring care for all and inspires us to continue advancing inclusive, patient-centered health care,” said NYC Health + Hospitals Vice President and Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer Ivelesse Mendez-Justiniano, Ph.D.
Leaders from the Human Rights Campaign and SAGE praised NYC Health + Hospitals for its commitment to equity in long-term care. The system continues to advance inclusive policies and staff training designed to make all facilities safe and affirming spaces for LGBTQ+ residents.
More information about the 2025 Long-Term Care Equality Index and available resources for LGBTQ+ patients can be found on the NYC Health + Hospitals website.
