DERBY -The Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC), the educational arm of the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, recently recognized Griffin Hospital in Derby in the biennial 2026 Healthcare Equality Index (HEI).
Griffin scored a 95 to earn the High Performer designation in this industry standard benchmarking tool for LGBTQ+ inclusion and equity practices in the health care field.
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.
“Health care access for the LGBTQ+ community in 2026 is a tale of both important progress and dangerous setbacks," said Kelley Robinson, president of the Human Rights Campaign. “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.”
The HEI helps healthcare facilities maintain and strengthen LGBTQ+-inclusive care even under extraordinary pressure. The report offers aggregate findings, benchmarks, and guidance for adaptation.
In the 2026 edition of the HEI, overall participation remained strong, despite a challenging moment for LGBTQ+ inclusive health care. Nearly 750 health care facilities completed the HEI survey with 44% receiving the LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader designation, and 46% earning High Performer status.
In total, nearly 90% of all facilities surveyed achieved one of the top designations.
This is a press release from Griffin Health.
