OHIO — Several Ohio hospitals were recently recognized among the 2025 Best Hospitals for Black America, announced by BlackDoctor.org.
The hospitals listed were recognized for their care to Black patients; however, this year the institute also asked 1,000 U.S. Black doctors about which hospitals they trusted to provide quality and equitable care for their own families.
To be selected, hospitals had to meet the selection criteria before they were reviewed by advisory board members who are not employed by BlackDoctor.org (BDO). The members reviewed the criteria and then made recommendations for winners.
Criteria to be nominated included:
- Feedback from the nation of Black doctors who recommended trusted hospitals for family care
- Quality of Care and Patient Satisfaction Scores
- Representation of people of color and women in leadership roles
- Initiatives positively impact urban communities
- Supplier diversity and procurement margins
- Commitment to equitable care for Black community members
- Chief Equity/Diversity Officer existing within the organization
“It’s no longer enough to have DE&I measures alone within our health systems, as it’s getting confusing, so BlackDoctor.org cut to chase this year and got personal with Black doctors to ask them who they trust most to care for their families,” said BlackDoctor.org CEO Reggie Ware in a news release. “This is a historic moment for our country and our organization, and we plan to support sharing hospitals’ best practices, so care improves overall in the U.S. for the Black community.”
Overall, BDO named 76 hospitals for the 2025 list.
“The disparities in health care that affect Black communities are well-documented, and it is imperative to identify and promote hospitals that are making substantial strides in addressing these issues,” Ware said. “By highlighting these institutions, we can guide patients to facilities where they are more likely to receive more compassionate and effective care.”
Recognized Ohio hospitals included:
- Bethesda North Hospital in Cincinnati
- Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland
- Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton
- The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus
“BDO continues to deliver on the promise to make every Black family as healthy as possible with our 2025 Best Hospitals for Black America listing,” said BDO CMO Derrick Lane in a news release. “As a nation, the importance of recognizing hospitals that deliver exemplary care to Black families address a critical need in our health care system: ensuring Black patients receive equitable, high-quality care in hospitals with positive outcomes.”
Cleveland Clinic shared several of their efforts to remain steadfast in their care including investing in Cleveland homes and child care centers, introducing the Center for Community Health Workers which helps caregivers hired within the community to collaborate with patients on needs and focusing on children’s futures by investing millions to make lead safe.
“We are honored to be recognized as a top health care institution for Black patients. This award underscores our commitment to addressing the social determinants of health that shape outcomes and fuel disparities in underserved communities,” said Vickie Eaton Johnson, Executive Vice-President and Chief Community Officer at Cleveland Clinic in a news release. “We remain dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable health care environment where every patient receives the highest standard of care.”
The hospital system also created a center to address social detriments associated with infant mortality, providing cultural care through Langston Hughes Community Health & Education Center and Stephanie Tubbs Jones Family Health Center, establish programs for high school students aimed at removing barriers blocking health care career opportunities and partnering with University Hospitals to help diverse suppliers expand businesses.
“As an anchor institution, we recognize our responsibility to leverage resources to uplift and empower the communities we serve,” Johnson said in a news release. “This means truly listening to the needs of our neighbors, engaging in meaningful collaborations, and prioritizing impactful solutions. Together, with the support of our partners, we are making a tangible difference and fostering a healthier, more equitable future for all.”
To view the full list of 2025 Best Hospitals for Black America, click here. Nominees will be formally recognized on Jan. 23, 2025 at tulane University in New Orleans, LA.
