Northwell Health-GoHealth Urgent Care recognized as a leader in LGBTQ+ inclusiveness by the 2024 Healthcare Equality Index

NEW YORK (May 24, 2024) – Northwell Health-GoHealth Urgent Care was named a national leader in LGBTQ+ inclusiveness by the 2024 Healthcare Equality Index (HEI), compiled by the Human Rights Campaign.

Northwell Health-GoHealth, along with 25 Northwell Health facilities, earned the "LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader" designation in the Index, a biennial survey. The Northwell Health-GoHealth network is the only urgent care to earn “LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader” status in the 2024 survey. Among the nearly 1,100 facilities across the country that participated in the survey, fewer than 400 earned leadership status, according to the Human Rights Campaign, a nonprofit that strives to end LGBTQ+ discrimination.

“We are honored to be designated as a leader among healthcare organizations in providing inclusive care for all patients,” said Dr. Neal Shipley, medical director of Northwell Health-GoHealth. “This recognition is a testament to the commitment our team has made to ensuring every patient feels welcome and heard when they visit a Northwell Health-GoHealth center.”

According to 2023 Gallup polls, 7.6 percent adults in the U.S. identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and/or queer (LGBTQ+), including more than 1 in 5 members of Gen Z (born 1997 to 2012). According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, LGBTQ+ youth are more likely than the general population to experience bullying and violence, resulting in increased mental health issues and suicide. Other research has also found that LGBTQ+ people are at greater risk of substance use, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), cancers and cardiovascular disease.

“LGBTQ+ people and their loved ones are looking for healthcare providers to offer and champion fully inclusive services, The Healthcare Equality Index is helping people find facilities where welcoming policies and practices are the standard,” said Kelley Robinson, president of the Human Rights Campaign. “We know that LGBTQ+ people – especially our trans family – continue to face discrimination in the doctor’s office. No one should have to put their health on the backburner for fear of mistreatment in a healthcare facility or by their doctor."

With 60 locations across the New York metro area, Northwell Health-GoHealth offers treatment for common non-life-threatening health concerns for adults and children six months and older, including upper respiratory infections, minor cuts, ear infections, treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STI), fractures and more. With onsite X-rays, diagnostic testing and flu vaccines, Northwell Health-GoHealth centers make it easy for patients to get the quality care they expect from Northwell Health. The centers are open 365 days a year, including holidays.

Patients can walk into any Northwell Health-GoHealth center for care or save time by saving a spot online and pre-registering before going to their neighborhood center. When patients require follow-up care with a specialist, Northwell Health-GoHealth centers are a direct connection to Northwell Health’s robust network of care, which regularly earns national recognition for excellence in quality and safety, research and innovation.

For details about Northwell Health-GoHealth locations, visit https://www.gohealthuc.com/northwell.