National designation by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation highlights excellence in LGBTQ+ patient-centered care
Richmond University Medical Center (RUMC) has been recognized as an “LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality High Performer” in the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2026 Healthcare Equality Index (HEI). The HEI is the nation’s leading benchmarking survey evaluating healthcare facilities on policies and practices dedicated to the equitable treatment and inclusion of LGBTQ+ patients, visitors, and employees.
The HEI 2026 survey evaluated hundreds of healthcare facilities across the United States on criteria including nondiscrimination policies, staff training, patient services and support, employee benefits, and community engagement related to LGBTQ+ inclusion. RUMC is one of only 343 healthcare facilities nationwide to earn the “High Performer” designation in the 2026 report.
This designation represents the next step forward for RUMC, building on its 2024 recognition as an “LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equity Builder.” It underscores the organization’s ongoing commitment to advancing inclusive policies, practices, and meaningful community engagement. Over the past two years, RUMC has deepened this commitment by hosting events such as its Pride Flag Raising, enhancing LGBTQIA+ inclusive policies and procedures, and partnering with the Pride Center of Staten Island to deliver HEI-endorsed, culturally competent training for staff.
“We are honored to be recognized by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation for our ongoing work to advance health equity and inclusive care,” said Priscíla Echevarría de Sepúlveda, EdD, MPA, RUMC’s Manager of Health Equity. “This designation reflects our commitment to ensuring that all patients – including those in the LGBTQ+ community – receive respectful, affirming, and high-quality care.”
The HEI, published by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, is widely regarded as the national standard for LGBTQ+ inclusion in healthcare. It provides a comprehensive framework to help healthcare organizations implement best practices and create welcoming environments for LGBTQ+ individuals and their families.
“This recognition underscores our continued dedication to ensuring equitable, nondiscriminatory care for all our patients while also promoting a culture of inclusion across our workforce and community,” RUMC President Dr. John C. Evanko, said. “The HEI designation signals to patients, families, and the broader community that Richmond University Medical Center is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and respectful healthcare environment.
Richmond University Medical Center (RUMC): A not-for-profit healthcare provider serving the ethnically diverse community of Staten Island and its neighbors. We provide premier-quality patient care through a full spectrum of emergent, acute, primary, behavioral health and educational services. We do this in an environment that promotes the highest satisfaction among patients, families, physicians, and staff. For more information call 1-718-818-1234 or visit www.rumcsi.org. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
