A Message from William Wertheim, MD, MBA
Executive Vice President for Stony Brook Medicine

Since stepping into this position, I have had the opportunity to meet so many of our dedicated healthcare practitioners, researchers, educators and staff, and I’m humbled by their dedication to our patients and community. I am grateful for their commitment to providing access to health resources and opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances.

While Stony Brook Medicine fosters health equity for our patients and staff every day throughout the year, Pride Month gives us a special opportunity to highlight the importance of health equity for the LGBTQ+ community.

I’m proud to lead a health system where equity statements are more than words on a page or a box checked and forgotten, but rather a genuine commitment to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected.

I’m delighted that the Healthcare Equality Index (HEI) survey of the Human Rights Campaign Foundation has once again recognized our healthcare system. This prestigious recognition highlights our continuous efforts to address and affirm the specific and unique needs of LGBTQ+ individuals.

One of the shining examples of our commitment is the Edie Windsor Healthcare Center in Hampton Bays, which focuses on providing specialized healthcare services to the LGBTQ+ community. Through initiatives at this center, we have expanded mental health and case management services as well as patient navigation services to assist with insurance enrollment and access to entitlements/benefits, medical and other supportive services — all vital to ensuring that our patients receive the comprehensive care and support they deserve.

Through our ongoing dedication to LGBTQ+ care, education and awareness, we ensure that our healthcare professionals have the knowledge and skills to provide competent and compassionate care to LGBTQ+ individuals. We continue to prioritize these efforts, knowing that an informed and empathetic healthcare workforce is critical to achieving true health equity.

Stony Brook Medicine has been recognized by national accrediting agencies for our efforts. This past February, Stony Brook University Hospital was among the first eight hospitals in the United States to attain the Health Care Equity Certification from The Joint Commission. We are particularly proud to be the only organization on Long Island to receive this honor, underscoring our dedication to inclusive and equitable care.

This Pride Month, we celebrate our LGBTQ+ community and reaffirm our commitment to creating an inclusive, supportive and equitable healthcare environment for all. Thank you to our dedicated staff and partners who work tirelessly to make this vision a reality.