Shoppers for fair, respectful healthcare are taking notice as nine New Jersey hospitals earned the top national honour for LGBTQ+ inclusive care, a sign that patients and staff in the Garden State are getting clearer, safer pathways to respectful treatment. This matters for families, employees and anyone seeking welcoming care.

Essential Takeaways

  • Top designation: Nine New Jersey hospitals were named LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leaders, achieving a perfect HEI score.
  • Nationwide context: The Human Rights Campaign’s HEI evaluated nearly 2,300 facilities in 2026, with 741 participating and 323 achieving the top score.
  • Local winners: Recognised New Jersey facilities include AtlantiCare (City and Mainland), Bergen New Bridge, Cooper University, Hunterdon, Penn Medicine Princeton, Princeton University Health Services, The Valley Hospital, and University Hospital.
  • What it signals: The award reflects inclusive policies for patients, visitors and staff, plus training and nondiscrimination protections.
  • Practical cue: Look for HEI Leader status when choosing a provider if LGBTQ+ inclusion and staff competence matter to you.

Why this recognition actually matters to patients and families

The HEI badge is more than a shiny logo; it’s a signal that a hospital has written policies and practices designed to treat LGBTQ+ patients with dignity, and that staff training and nondiscrimination protections are in place. According to the Human Rights Campaign, the index benchmarks how facilities care for LGBTQ+ patients, visitors and workers, so the designation helps people pick providers that are likely to be respectful and competent. That matters whether you’re booking a routine check-up, maternity care, or a more complex hospital stay , a calmer reception desk and a staff that knows the right language make a quieter, safer experience.

Who in New Jersey earned the top score , and what they’re saying

Nine New Jersey hospitals reached the HEI’s highest mark in 2026, including AtlantiCare’s two campuses, Bergen New Bridge, Cooper University Hospital, Hunterdon Medical Center, Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center, Princeton University Health Services, The Valley Hospital and University Hospital in Newark. Hospital leaders framed the recognition as the result of policy work and staff commitment. At Cooper, their medical director for LGBTQ+ health emphasised dignity and compassion; Valley Health System’s CEO highlighted ongoing efforts to make care safe and supportive. Those local statements line up with the broader messaging from institutions winning the HEI badge nationwide.

How the HEI works and why participation matters

The Healthcare Equality Index is the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s annual benchmarking tool that asks facilities to report on policies and practices for LGBTQ+ inclusion. In its 17th edition the HEI assessed nearly 2,300 facilities, with 741 actively participating in the 2026 survey and 323 achieving a perfect 100. Participation itself matters: organisations that complete the HEI commit to transparency and receive a roadmap for improvement. For consumers, an HEI Leader designation is a quick, independent way to spot institutions that take inclusion seriously.

Trends: progress amid pressure

The Human Rights Campaign frames 2026 as a year of both progress and pushback for LGBTQ+ healthcare access. Even as some political and social pressures mount, many health systems continue to adopt inclusive practices and formal protections for patients and staff. Across the country, other large systems and academic centres are also earning top scores, suggesting inclusion has become a competitive and ethical priority for modern health providers. For patients, that means more choices and clearer signals when seeking care.

Choosing a hospital: practical tips for LGBTQ+ patients

If inclusive care is a priority, start by checking HEI Leader status and read the hospital’s patient nondiscrimination policy. Ask about staff training in cultural competence and whether intake forms allow for chosen names and pronouns. For specialised needs, such as gender-affirming care, enquire early about services, referrals and continuity of care. And trust small cues: a friendly intake process, visible pronoun badges, or staff who use your name correctly usually mean a smoother visit.

It's a small change that can make every appointment or admission feel safer and more respectful.

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