Consumers’ Research is rolling out a campaign called “Woke Hospitals” targeting New York-Presbyterian and CommonSpirit Health. The initiative accuses the nonprofit hospital systems of prioritizing political and social programs over patient care, potentially jeopardizing their tax-exempt status. It launches ahead of a House Ways and Means Committee hearing on health care costs.
Consumers’ Research, a watchdog group, began its “Woke Hospitals” campaign on Monday with a mobile billboard near Capitol Hill and a dedicated website. The effort highlights what the group calls “ideological overreach” by the hospitals, which benefit from federal tax advantages. Executive Director Will Hild stated, “It is appalling to see hospitals indulge in woke politics while their patients struggle with long waits, surprise bills, and a continuous lack of price transparency.” He added that nonprofit status is “a public subsidy granted in exchange for a public benefit.” The campaign focuses on New York-Presbyterian’s Dalio Center for Health Justice, which addresses health disparities related to race, socioeconomic status, and access to care. Ray Dalio, a hospital trustee, said, “Our goal is to contribute to equal healthcare and equal education because we believe that these are the most fundamental building blocks of equal opportunity and just society.” CEO Dr. Stephen J. Corwin noted, “New York Presbyterian hopes to be a leader in health justice.” The group also criticizes the hospital’s Compass Program, which supports trans-identifying youth with counseling and gender-affirming care referrals. At CommonSpirit Health, attention turns to its Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, aimed at reducing disparities through data, partnerships, and diversification. The system participates in the Race to Zero climate initiative to cut emissions and expands opportunities for underrepresented groups in medicine. The timing aligns with bipartisan congressional concerns over nonprofit hospitals’ pricing transparency and community benefits. Neither hospital has responded to the launch, though they have previously defended their initiatives as essential to their missions. Hild said the group will continue targeting such providers.
