Cleveland Clinic Named Among 2025 Best Hospitals for Black America by BlackDoctor.org

Cleveland Clinic has been named one of the Best Hospitals for Black America by BlackDoctor.org, a national leader in Black health and wellness. This award recognizes healthcare institutions that demonstrate a commitment to improving health equity for Black patients.

“We are honored to be recognizedas a top healthcare 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. “We remain dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable healthcare environment where every patient receives the highest standard of care.”

Cleveland Clinic is among 76 U.S. hospitals – and the only in Northeast Ohio – to be named on the list.

Awardees were selected by advisory board members of BlackDoctor.org, who are not employed by the organization. Selection criteria included:

Feedback from 1,000 Black doctors in the nation who recommended hospitals they trust to provide care for their families

• Quality of care and patient satisfaction scores
• Representation of persons of color and women in senior leadership roles
• Initiatives that positively impact urban communities
• Supplier diversity and procurement margins
• Commitment to equitable care for the Black community
• Presence of a Chief Equity/Diversity Officer within the organization

"As an anchor institution, we recognize our responsibility to leverage resources to uplift and empower the communities we serve,” Johnson said. “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.”

Cleveland Clinic’s efforts include:

• Protecting the future of our children by investing $52.5 million to make Cleveland homes and childcare centers lead safe.
• Introducing the Center for Community Health Workers which employs caregivers hired from the community who collaborate with patients to identify and address social and medical needs.
• Creating a Center for Infant and Maternal Health to address the social determinants associated with infant mortality.
• Providing culturally responsive care for patients through the Langston Hughes Community Health & Education Center and Stephanie Tubbs Jones Family Health Center.
• Establishing the Howley ASPIRE Nurse Scholars and Howley Pathways programs for high school students, which aim to remove barriers for socioeconomically disadvantaged students to pursue career opportunities in healthcare.
• Partnering with University Hospitals to help local diverse suppliers grow their businesses and support economic inclusion through the DEI Supplier Accelerator.

"The disparities in healthcare 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,” said Reggie Ware, CEO of BlackDoctor.org. “By highlighting these institutions, we can guide patients to facilities where they are more likely to receive more compassionate and effective care.”