Today, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC), the educational arm of the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, released the biennial 2026 Healthcare Equality Index (HEI), the industry standard benchmarking tool for LGBTQ+ inclusion and equity practices in the health care field. The Annex is grateful to receive “High Performer Status” under their criteria. In an era where health care access in general, HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention, and health care for transgender people specifically are under threat, the HEI remains a necessary and useful tool both for health care administrators and for individual patients.
The Annex was awarded High Performer Status after scoring 95/100 on the most recent survey. The HEI survey evaluates participating facilities across core areas of practice, including nondiscrimination and staff training; patient services and support; employee benefits and policies; and patient and community engagement. These criteria reflect one essential principle: LGBTQ+ patients, visitors, and staff deserve dignity, respect, and fairness in every healthcare setting.
“Health care access for the LGBTQ+ community in 2026 is a tale of both important progress and dangerous setbacks. Even amid extraordinary pressure, many healthcare institutions are continuing to show up for LGBTQ+ patients and staff. Doctors want to take care of their patients in the best way they can. Even so, disinformation campaigns driven by a small minority of politicians who use trans youth as a scapegoat for their own failures and who are dismantling HIV care are having a real impact on people’s lives. It’s vital for all LGBTQ+ people to get the most accurate information we have on access to care across the country and we are proud of the ways in which the HEI helps the community understand this.”
-Kelley Robinson, president of the Human Rights Campaign.
The HEI 2026 helps healthcare facilities maintain and strengthen LGBTQ+inclusive care under extraordinary pressure. The report offers aggregate findings, benchmarks, and guidance for adaptation. The standard remains: every patient deserves safe, respectful, inclusive, dignified care.
HEI 2026 results show that healthcare facilities are advancing LGBTQ+ inclusive policies and practices despite significant external pressure. For healthcare leaders, the message is clear: LGBTQ+ inclusion is essential for safe, high-quality, trustworthy care. The Annex is honored to be included in this important work, and we look forward to continuing to provide a high standard of affirming and inclusive care to our patients.
Read the full 2026 Healthcare Equality Index here.
