100 great community hospitals | 2025

Becker’s is pleased to release the 2025 edition of its “Great community hospitals” list.

Community hospitals play a vital role in the fabric of the U.S. healthcare system, delivering accessible, affordable care to patients beyond major metropolitan areas. Whether serving rural regions or suburban neighborhoods, these hospitals are essential to keeping communities healthy and connected to quality care.

The community hospitals recognized on this list are dedicated to clinical excellence, academic advancement and personalized, whole-person care delivery. Their mission is to elevate health outcomes within the communities they serve. 

The Becker’s editorial team selected these standout hospitals based on nominations and insights from respected rankings and ratings organizations, including U.S. News & World Report, Healthgrades, CMS, The Leapfrog Group, the National Rural Health Association and The Chartis Center for Rural Health. 

Note: Organizations do not pay and cannot pay for inclusion on this list. This list is not exhaustive, nor is it an endorsement of the organizations mentioned. Organizations are presented in alphabetical order.

Contact Anna Falvey at afalvey@beckershealthcare.com with questions or comments.

Sponsored by:

Community Hospital Corporation owns, manages and consults with hospitals through CHC Hospitals, CHC Consulting and CHC ContinueCARE, to collaborate with partners and bring innovative solutions to support the vibrancy and accessibility of community healthcare.


AHN Harmar (Pa.) Neighborhood Hospital. AHN Harmar Neighborhood Hospital, part of Pittsburgh-based Allegheny Health Network, opened in October 2020 and has quickly become a rising star in community healthcare, earning the Press Ganey “Human Experience Guardian of Excellence Award” for emergency care in both 2023 and 2024. Driven by its mission of “neighbors caring for neighbors,” the hospital has introduced creative, patient-centered innovations to enhance the care experience, such as offering locally delivered meals via DoorDash and nutritional oversight from a registered dietitian, raising food and dietary satisfaction to match the top-tier performance of its clinical teams. Pediatric care has also been thoughtfully enriched, with a vibrant ocean-themed mural painted by a local student bringing comfort to young patients, and “Jared Boxes” filled with toys and activities providing cheerful distractions during hospital visits. The hospital is deeply rooted in its community, partnering with local organizations and empowering team members to deliver personalized, compassionate care. The hospital continues to outperform national benchmarks, consistently achieving top 10% performance outcomes across key patient care metrics. 

AdventHealth Daytona Beach (Fla.). Comprising 362 beds and 3,500 employees, AdventHealth Daytona Beach is the largest hospital within the AdventHealth East Florida Division. The hospital has served patients in Florida’s coastal community for nearly six decades, and has continued to expand with the recent opening of a medical office building and ambulatory surgery center. The hospital is currently in the midst of a $220 million expansion, which will add 104 beds and expand surgical capacity. Anticipated to be completed by the fall of 2026, AdventHealth Daytona Beach will ultimately have 466 beds and nearly 1 million square feet of medical space, including a new cardiovascular ICU, a dedicated neuro-ICU and expanded progressive care units. U.S. News & World Report has named AdventHealth Daytona Beach the No. 1 hospital in Volusia County for four consecutive years.

AdventHealth Winter Park (Fla.). The 373-bed acute-care AdventHealth Winter Park hospital is committed to delivering whole-person, community-focused care. The hospital offers a wide range of services including emergency care, advanced robotic surgery, maternity care, inpatient rehabilitation and a family medicine residency program. In 2025, it launched a hospital-at-home program, providing hospital-level care in the comfort of patients’ homes. AdventHealth Cancer Institute Winter Park recently opened, offering comprehensive oncology services including radiation oncology, a 17-bay infusion center and the Eden Boutique, a unique space supporting patients with products and services for hair loss, mastectomy care and more. Looking ahead, the hospital will expand its reach with the opening of the AdventHealth Sand Lake emergency room in 2026, bringing emergency care closer to home for residents of south Orange County, Fla. AdventHealth Winter Park has earned an “A” hospital safety grade and was recognized as a top teaching hospital by The Leapfrog Group.

Adventist Health Howard Memorial Hospital (Willits, Calif.). Adventist Health Howard Memorial Hospital, a 25-bed critical access facility in Northern California, delivers high-quality care to a regional population of over 90,000 across a broad range of services, including emergency care, orthopedics, surgery and rehabilitation. The hospital recently celebrated a major milestone, with over 500 successful Mako robotic-assisted joint replacement surgeries. The hospital has earned national recognition as a 5-star rating from CMS and a Healthgrades 5-star rating for total knee replacement four years in a row, along with high ratings for hip fracture and sepsis care. The community hospital was rated “high performing” in pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by U.S. News & World Report for 2023, and received the “Outstanding Patient Experience Award” from Healthgrades. A Planetree silver-certified hospital, Howard Memorial is recognized for quality, safety and lower readmission rates in rural healthcare delivery. 

Augusta Health (Fishersville, Va.). Augusta Health is a 255-bed nonprofit hospital known for its leadership in health equity, patient safety and advanced clinical care. In 2024, it earned the CMS “Health Equity Award” and the American Hospital Association’s “Carolyn Boone Lewis Equity of Care Award” for its groundbreaking “Neighborhood Clinics” program, which expanded access to underserved communities. Augusta Health consistently receives top ratings from The Leapfrog Group for patient safety and was the first hospital in Virginia to achieve national distinction of excellence in cardiovascular care from the American College of Cardiology. It also holds diagnostic imaging center of excellence status and is among America’s top hospitals for surgical and joint replacement care. Recent innovations include the launch of a mobile medical unit, the implementation of Meditech Expanse EHR for unified care delivery and the introduction of robotic-assisted knee replacements. Augusta Health has also opened a new community clinic and expanded its heart and vascular center.

Banner Wyoming Medical Center (Casper, Wyo.). The 249-bed community hospital serves 250,000 people and is the largest hospital in Wyoming, serving patients within a 150-mile radius. The hospital is situated in the geographic center of the rural state, where transportation challenges due to weather are common and health services and specialists in many surrounding communities are minimal. The hospital was acquired by Banner Health in 2020 and has since achieved several significant milestones. These include gaining the American College of Surgeons level 2 trauma center status, expanding telestroke access to nine sites across the state, maintaining American Heart and Stroke Associations “gold plus stroke award” and retaining Joint Commission primary stroke center status. Banner Health has committed $70 million in capital improvements at the facility, including a comprehensive maintenance and upgrade plan and a new electrophysiology lab opening this year. The hospital and associated Banner Health clinics have also successfully recruited dozens of primary care providers and high-level specialists, ensuring that Wyoming residents have access to high-quality care without leaving the state.

Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas (Beaumont). Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas, a faith-based healthcare system founded in 1949, operates 13 campuses and serves seven counties with over 2,100 employees and a 483-bed capacity. As part of Community Hospital Corporation, the system delivers exceptional care across multiple specialties. Its Baptist Cancer Network is the region’s only accredited cancer program between Houston and Louisiana, offering advanced services like genetic testing, clinical trials and a dedicated breast concierge program. The system also operates the only inpatient behavioral health facility within 90 miles, which will expand to 120 beds thanks to $70 million in state funding. Its cardiac program leads the region with innovations like transcatheter aortic valve replacement and four active cath labs. The system’s commitment to education includes residency programs in internal medicine, psychiatry and pharmacy, preparing clinicians for careers at top institutions. Known for adopting cutting-edge technologies, the community hospital system continues to advance healthcare throughout Southeast Texas.

Bourbon Community Hospital (Paris, Ky.). Bourbon Community Hospital, a 58-bed acute care facility located in rural Kentucky, delivers high-quality, hometown healthcare with advanced technology and compassion. With 140 medical staff across 22 specialties, the hospital also operates a 33-bed inpatient behavioral health unit for both adolescents and adults, supported by a multidisciplinary team and therapeutic programs like therapy dog services. In 2024, Bourbon invested nearly $1.5 million in capital improvements, welcomed new specialists in cardiology, radiology, pain medicine and orthopedics, and contributed $7 million in health services for patients regardless of their ability to pay. Bourbon Community Hospital also fosters professional growth, offering over $124,000 in staff development and distributing more than $18.5 million in wages and benefits to its 230 employees.

Bozeman (Mont.) Health Deaconess Regional Medical Center. Bozeman Health Deaconess Regional Medical Center, a 125-bed CMS 5-star rated facility, serves as a certified level 3 trauma center in Southwest Montana. The hospital offers a robust range of services including a 20-bed critical care unit that encompasses ICU and progressive care, comprehensive medical-surgical units, 24/7 emergency and trauma care, and a family birth center that houses the region’s first NICU. Its outpatient campus provides specialties such as OB/GYN, urology, diabetes and nutrition care, ear, nose and throat, audiology, vein medicine, pediatrics and primary care. As the flagship facility for Bozeman Health, the medical center delivers high-quality, coordinated care for both inpatient and outpatient needs, distinguished for excellence in maternity, stroke and surgical services.

Carilion Franklin Memorial Hospital (Rocky Mount, Va.). With just 37 beds, Carilion Franklin Memorial Hospital has more than doubled its surgical capacity through a multi-million-dollar expansion, adding new procedure rooms, updated operating rooms, and more than 5,000 square feet of modernized clinical space. In a milestone for Franklin County, the hospital introduced robotic surgery using the da Vinci system, offering patients access to minimally invasive procedures closer to home. Operational improvements, like the addition of a second ultrasound room, have helped reduce backlogs and shorten wait times across both inpatient and emergency department settings. The hospital also launched its first in-house pharmacy and expanded neurology services, including the area’s first dedicated neurology clinic. The hospital’s emphasis on safety and sustainability has earned it Leapfrog’s “A” grade, a Healthgrades award for patient safety excellence, and Energy Star certification.

Carilion Giles Community Hospital (Pearisburg, Va.). Despite Carilion Giles Community Hospital’s 25-bed capacity, it has a far-reaching impact on rural healthcare in Western Virginia. As a critical access hospital, Carilion Giles combines high-quality inpatient care with a nationally recognized emergency department and a robust swing bed program to support patients needing extended recovery time. In 2024, the hospital became the first in Western Virginia to implement Moxi “co-bots”, which are autonomous robots that handle supply delivery tasks, thus freeing up clinical staff to focus more fully on patient care. Facility upgrades, a modernized pharmacy and new involvement in clinical trials reflect a future-focused approach uncommon in rural settings. Over the years, the community hospital has expanded access to key specialties such as ENT, urology, neurosurgery, pulmonology and cardiology, meeting the needs of a geographically dispersed population.

Carilion Rockbridge Community Hospital (Lexington, Va.). Carilion Rockbridge Community Hospital is a 25-bed critical access hospital making investments that improve rural care delivery. In response to rising surgical demand, the hospital completed a major renovation and expansion in 2024, adding 13,700 square feet of operating room, lab and staff workspace, all of which allow for more complex procedures to be performed locally. Guided by insights from its triennial community health assessment, the hospital has prioritized access to specialty services and transportation, translating data into action through initiatives like “Rockbridge CAN”, which combines free community meals with health education and services. The hospital also leads the “Live Healthy Rockbridge” coalition, strengthening cross-sector collaboration to tackle chronic disease, mental health and substance use. Facility upgrades extend beyond surgery, with remodeled sleep labs, expanded recovery areas and improved staff accommodations. 

Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center (Hartsville, S.C.). Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center, a 116-bed hospital, has earned national acclaim for clinical excellence and patient safety, including two consecutive Leapfrog “Top General Hospital” awards and seven straight “A” grades for safety. Recognized for outstanding specialty programs, the medical center holds Joint Commission “gold seal” certifications in heart failure, total joint replacement and sepsis, making it the only hospital in South Carolina with the latter designation. It also earned stroke center certification, chest pain center accreditation, and multiple honors from the American Heart Association and Healthgrades. To combat rural workforce shortages, the medical center has partnered with Coker University and Florence Darlington Technical College to launch nursing and certified nursing assistant programs with simulation labs and apprenticeship pipelines. The medical center also supports debt forgiveness through the “BOLD Loan” program. The hospital continues expanding access to care, opening a multispecialty clinic and adopting Pulsara technology for enhanced emergency medical services integration.

Children’s Specialized Hospital (New Brunswick, N.J.). Children’s Specialized Hospital, a 140-bed RWJBarnabas Health pediatric rehabilitation hospital, offers a full continuum of inpatient and outpatient care for children with complex medical, developmental and behavioral health needs. Located on the state’s only pediatric academic healthcare campus, the hospital combines acute care, research and rehabilitation in one setting, and has expanded its reach through 12 outpatient centers and two long-term care facilities. Its groundbreaking Center for Discovery, Innovation and Development drives transformative research and product development in areas like virtual reality for behavioral health, nutrition delivery devices, and predictive analytics to reduce patient no-shows. In 2024, the hospital launched three centers of excellence for autism, brain injury, and chronic pain and functional neurological disorder, all anchored in a model that unites clinical services, research, training and advocacy. The hospital is committed to addressing social determinants of health, with over 21,000 families screened in 2023 and more than 3,250 food bags distributed through on-site pantries. Recent innovations include a marketplace for essential family items, caregiver training in a home-like setting, support for an all-inclusive recreational complex, and a partnership with Legal Services of New Jersey to provide legal aid services.

Chilton Medical Center (Pompton Plains, N.J.). With more than 1,400 team members and 260 beds, Morristown, N.J.-based Atlantic Health System’s Chilton Medical Center delivers high-quality, personalized care across numerous specialties, including cardiology, orthopedics and oncology. The hospital’s standout offerings include a leading-edge brain tumor center and the region’s only combined pediatric emergency and inpatient care unit. It is a breast imaging center of excellence, accredited in advanced diagnostics like MRI and stereotactic biopsy, and also holds National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers-certification for comprehensive breast disease care. National accolades include the “Beacon Award for Excellence” from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, the “Lantern Award” from the Emergency Nurses Association, and primary stroke center certification from both the Joint Commission and the New Jersey Department of Health. Recognized by U.S. News & World Report in 2025 for high performance in maternity care, Chilton is also a Baby-Friendly birth facility and a Blue Distinction Center. The medical center also ranks among Healthgrades’ “America’s 250 Best Hospitals”, distinguished as top 5% in the nation for patient safety and critical care, and with repeated excellence awards in pulmonary, gastrointestinal and cardiology services.

Citizens Memorial Hospital (Bolivar, Mo.). A rural healthcare provider, Citizens Memorial Hospital offers integrated, patient-centered care through its network of over 30 clinics, long-term care facilities, home health, hospice and rehabilitation services. The hospital is recognized nationally for its safety and quality, maintaining a Leapfrog “A” safety grade and earning a 4-star CMS rating in 2024, along with a “Platinum Medal” from the Hospital Quality Innovators program. The organization has pioneered social care integration by becoming the first Meditech customer to embed the Unite Us platform within its EHR, enabling seamless referral and tracking of patients’ social needs. The hospital has also invested in significant facility and service expansions, including new specialty clinics, a health and wellness center, and a 117,000-square-foot hospital expansion set to complete by 2026. It is also actively implementing AI-powered documentation and launched a mobile integrated healthcare program to improve efficiency and outreach.

Clara Maass Medical Center (Belleville, N.J.). Clara Maass Medical Center, part of West Orange, N.J.-based RWJBarnabas Health, is a 342-bed acute care hospital that has been a vital health resource for northern New Jersey since its founding in 1868. The medical center provides a full range of services that includes a comprehensive cancer center, state-of-the-art cardiac care, a level 2 special care nursery, and specialized maternal and behavioral health offerings. The hospital has earned 12 “A” grades from The Leapfrog Group for patient safety and is a consistent recipient of Healthgrades’ 5-star awards in bariatric surgery, hip fracture treatment, and obstetrics and gynecology. Notably, it offers a center of excellence for Latino health, as well as community programs like “Clara Cares” and the “Wellness Assessment Van for Elders”, providing primary care for seniors close to home. In recent years, the hospital introduced a telehealth emergency department to allow patients to receive virtual triage and timely care from their devices, making the program the first of its kind piloted across the RWJBarnabas Health system. Clara Maass has also earned high-performance rankings from U.S. News & World Report for care in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart failure, kidney failure and maternity services.

Colquitt Regional Health System (Moultrie, Ga.). 155-bed Colquitt Regional Health System brings award-winning patient safety, innovation and workforce engagement to rural Georgia. The hospital has earned 19 consecutive “A” grades from The Leapfrog Group and was honored with the 2024 Vitalacy “Hand Hygiene Center of Excellence” award and Georgia Hospital Association’s “Patient Safety and Quality Award”. The hospital recently introduced advanced procedures like biventricular implantable cardioverter defibrillator implantation and robotic-assisted total knee replacements, bringing tertiary-level care to the region. Its Ameris Bank Medical Education Center, which opened in 2024, supports next-generation workforce training through high-fidelity simulation environments. Colquitt Regional received a 95th percentile ranking for staff engagement, as well as a Press Ganey “Pinnacle of Excellence” award for patient experience.

Desert Valley Hospital (Victorville, Calif.). Desert Valley Hospital, a 148-bed facility and member of Ontario, Calif.-based Prime Healthcare, ranks in the top 5% out of over 4,500 hospitals nationwide for clinical performance. The hospital provides vital services such as heart care, emergency medicine, surgical procedures, labor and delivery, and more, making it a cornerstone of health in its community. It has earned prestigious honors, including the Healthgrades awards for patient safety excellence for two consecutive years. In 2023, Desert Valley launched an internal medicine residency program, becoming the first in the High Desert region to offer such a program and preparing to welcome third-year residents by July 2025. These residents train both at the hospital and in community-based clinics, expanding access to specialty care in underserved areas. 

East Jefferson General Hospital (Metairie, La.). East Jefferson General Hospital has stood as a trusted healthcare provider for the Greater New Orleans region since 1971, offering high-quality care as a publicly owned, nonprofit facility. With 306 beds and more than 50 specialties, the hospital combines advanced clinical capabilities with a deep commitment to its local community. The hospital’s recent innovations include the addition of a second da Vinci Xi system, a Stryker MAKO robot for orthopedic surgery, and accreditation as a comprehensive bariatric center with obesity medicine capabilities. The hospital’s affiliations with Tulane University and New Orleans-based LCMC Health have further enhanced its academic reach and operational strength. East Jefferson General has received national recognition from the American Heart Association and CareChex for patient safety and cardiovascular excellence. It is also Louisiana’s first and only hospital to achieve Magnet designation five consecutive times, reflecting sustained nursing excellence.

Encino (Calif.) Hospital Medical Center. Encino Hospital Medical Center is a 148-bed acute care facility in the San Fernando Valley, known for delivering specialized, patient-centered care with exceptional outcomes. The hospital is nationally recognized as a 5-star recipient for hip fracture treatment across nine consecutive years and respiratory failure for three consecutive years, and ranks among the top 5% in the nation for patient safety according to Healthgrades. Accredited by The Joint Commission, its programs include a primary stroke center, labs, imaging services, and a geriatric emergency department. In 2024, the medical center received “Gold Plus Quality Achievement” awards from the American Heart Association for excellence in heart failure and stroke care, with added recognition for its management of patients with Type 2 diabetes. The hospital recently earned high praise for its critical care services, particularly for its innovative and high-performing respiratory failure treatment protocols.

Endeavor Health (Evanston, Ill.). Endeavor Health is a healthcare system comprising eight acute care community hospitals and 2,330 beds. The system is nationally recognized for integrating groundbreaking research, precision medicine and innovation into community healthcare. The system’s Research Institute oversees more than 700 studies and 550 clinical trials, led by over 250 investigators across specialties like oncology, cardiology and neurology. With the nation’s largest primary care-based genomics program, over 250,000 patients have completed genetic wellness assessments across the community hospitals, enabling highly personalized prevention and treatment strategies through tools like polygenic risk scoring and multi-cancer early detection testing. Technological innovations across the community hospitals include the launch of Motiv, a virtual cardiac rehab platform and the implementation of smart hospital technologies recognized by Newsweek. Multiple of the community hospitals within the system hold “A” safety grades from The Leapfrog Group, CMS 5-star ratings and Magnet designations, with Evanston Hospital also named a Vizient “Quality Award” top performer. 

Englewood Hospital (Englewood, N.J.). Englewood Hospital is a 277-bed community hospital that delivers high-quality care in specialties including cardiac surgery, oncology, women’s health and robotic surgery. The hospital is part of $1 billion Englewood Health, the largest employer in its city. Englewood Hospital facilitates approximately 3,000 births annually, supported by a robust maternal-fetal medicine program. The community hospital has led advancements in minimally invasive heart procedures, implanting its 1,000th Watchman FLX device. Additionally, the hospital introduced a pioneering colorectal cancer program for patients under 50. Its leadership in digital health has been acknowledged with 11 consecutive “Most Wired” awards from the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives, achieving level 9 performance in both acute and ambulatory care. It was recently named one of America’s “Best-In-State Hospitals” by Newsweek and has earned 24 “A” grades from The Leapfrog Group, in addition to Magnet recognition and multiple national accreditations.

F.F. Thompson Hospital (Canandaigua, N.Y.). Founded in 1904, F.F. Thompson Hospital is a 113-bed facility that has expanded to include a broad network of primary care, urgent care, specialty practices and rehabilitation services across New York’s Finger Lakes region. Now affiliated with Rochester, N.Y.-based UR Medicine, the community hospital offers seamless access to specialized care while maintaining a reputation for compassionate service, employing staff members who routinely go above and beyond for patients. The hospital has earned national accolades, including Magnet status since 2004, multiple Joint Commission certifications, and repeated recognition by U.S. News & World Report for excellence in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease care. The hospital also holds prestigious designations such as “Blue Distinction for Maternity Care” by Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, a “Gold Bell Seal” by Mental Health America, and geriatric emergency department accreditation. Recent advancements include a second outpatient pharmacy, Epic EHR adoption across primary care practices, the acquisition of a long-standing gastroenterology practice, and plans for enhanced birthing facilities and a state-of-the-art MRI scanner. The hospital is also bolstered by strong recruitment strategies and innovative scholarship programs.

Firelands Regional Medical Center (Sandusky, Ohio). The region’s only full-service healthcare provider, 287-bed Firelands Regional Medical Center offers services to over 300,000 residents. As one of Ohio’s largest behavioral health providers, the medical center delivers integrated inpatient, outpatient and community-based services through its counseling and recovery services. The hospital has recently expanded its digital capabilities with the implementation of a single, unified Meditech Expanse EHR across 33 ambulatory sites and is actively supporting patient access through transportation assistance initiatives. Firelands Regional Medical Center’s orthopedic team earned advanced joint replacement center status from the Accreditation Commission for Health Care, and its cardiology team received national distinction for heart attack treatment outcomes. The nonprofit hospital is nationally recognized for excellence in cardiac care, joint replacement, behavioral health and stroke care, with numerous accreditations and awards from the American Heart Association, the American College of Cardiology and U.S. News & World Report.

Frederick (Md.) Health. A 240-bed community hospital, Frederick Health has established itself as a national leader in precision medicine by seamlessly integrating genetic testing into routine care across specialties, making the once-exclusive service widely accessible outside academic medical centers. Through its groundbreaking implementation of the Meditech Expanse Genomics solution, Frederick Health allows any provider to order, review and act on discrete genetic data directly within the EHR, resulting in 25-plus minute time savings per test order and a 50% reduction in workflow steps. This innovation has supported over 7,000 genetic tests annually and has expanded personalized care into family medicine, primary care and behavioral health. Frederick Health is also piloting ambient listening technology to alleviate provider administrative burden, enhancing both clinical documentation and patient engagement. The hospital was recognized with Magnet redesignation for nursing excellence in 2025 and The College of Health Care Information Management Executives’ “Most Wired” level 8 status for both acute and ambulatory care in 2024. Looking ahead, the hospital is expanding into nutrigenomics and serving as a national training site for advanced robotic thoracic surgery.

Golden Valley Memorial Healthcare (Clinton, Mo.). Golden Valley Memorial Healthcare, a 56-bed community hospital, delivers cutting-edge, patient-centered care through continuous innovation and technology. Its cancer center is incorporating precision medicine by integrating genomic data directly into the EHR, enabling clinicians to access actionable genetic insights in real time. This approach empowers tailored treatment plans, improves decision-making and reduces patient costs. The hospital also addresses the national maternal health crisis head-on, implementing advanced surveillance systems in its birthing center to monitor and respond to obstetric hemorrhage and hypertensive crises, ultimately leading to consistently high compliance with The Joint Commission’s safety measures. The hospital uses this same technology to manage neonatal hypoglycemia and support infection control. The hospital earned an “A” hospital safety grade from The Leapfrog Group in 2024 and received the 2023 “Performance Leadership Award” from Chartis for excellence in patient outcomes. The hospital has recently initiated expansions to incorporate pharmacogenomic decision support and additional surveillance protocols.

Gottlieb Memorial Hospital (Melrose Park, Ill.). Gottlieb Memorial Hospital, a 247-bed community facility and part of Maywood, Ill.-based Loyola Medicine, is recognized for its commitment to high-quality, patient-centered care. It earned the silver level “Beacon Award for Excellence” from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses for its critical care unit and has received multiple Healthgrades 5-star ratings in areas such as stroke and diabetic emergencies. In 2025, its hip and knee replacement program was named a “Blue Distinction Center+” by Blue Cross Blue Shield. The hospital is also highly rated by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best nursing homes in the country. With new clinical leadership, the hospital continues to advance innovation, safety and community health initiatives in the Chicagoland area.

Gritman Medical Center (Moscow, Idaho). Gritman Medical Center, a 25-bed nonprofit critical access hospital, has served its region with exceptional care for over 125 years. As the largest private employer in its county and a leading healthcare provider in the surrounding four-county area, the medical center employs approximately 750 staff across its main campus and regional clinics. In 2024, the hospital enhanced connectivity and care coordination with the launch of the Epic EHR system and expanded services with a new student health clinic at Lewis-Clark State College. The hospital also reopened its refreshed clinic in Troy, Idaho in early 2025, and continues to grow by upgrading key service areas like central sterile processing and physical therapy. The hospital has been recognized as a College of Healthcare Information Management Executives “Digital Health Most Wired” hospital, and has earned multiple quality and safety accolades.

Hackensack Meridian Bayshore Medical Center (Holmdel, N.J.). Hackensack Meridian Bayshore Medical Center has transformed from a small community facility into a modern hospital offering advanced clinical services with a personal touch. The hospital has earned national recognition for excellence in stroke, pulmonary, gastrointestinal and critical care, and was the first in New Jersey to implement the Galaxy System, which is a next-generation robotic platform for early lung cancer diagnosis. Its accredited breast center features state-of-the-art biopsy and imaging technologies, while its center for wound healing has received the “Center of Distinction Award” from Healogics seven times. The medical center also houses a newly expanded emergency care center, featuring 35 private bays and dedicated imaging equipment. The hospital’s team continues to grow its surgical and orthopedic services, and its bariatrics program is among the most comprehensive in the region. 

Hackensack Meridian Ocean University Medical Center (Brick Township, N.J.). Hackensack Meridian Health Ocean University Medical Center delivers high-acuity care with the accessibility and familiarity of a community hospital. A key part of Edison, N.J.-based Hackensack Meridian Health, the 317-bed facility has evolved into a regional hub for cardiac, cancer and orthopedic care, thanks in part to major investments like its $82 million expansion adding a cutting-edge emergency department and the Dr. Robert H. and Mary Ellen Harris Heart and Vascular Center. The center alone has driven a 70% increase in cath lab volume year over year. Devoted to improving outcomes and reimagining patient experience, Ocean University Medical Center has innovated through virtual nursing, a transition of care clinic, and expanded neurosurgical services. The hospital is among the first nationally to receive The Joint Commission’s certification for environmental sustainability, and has received a ranking as a Practice Greenhealth “Top 25 Hospital for Environmental Excellence” for 2024. The medical center has also earned repeated Leapfrog “A” grades, as well as top marks from U.S. News & World Report and Healthgrades for safety and specialty care.

Hackensack Meridian Old Bridge Medical Center (Old Bridge, N.J.). Hackensack Meridian Old Bridge Medical Center is a 113-bed acute care hospital, recently investing in a $39 million emergency department expansion, 20 additional advanced patient rooms, dedicated imaging, and a crisis stabilization unit to better serve both medical and psychiatric patients. The hospital’s Institute for Weight Loss and Diabetes Center provides comprehensive, multidisciplinary support for chronic conditions, while its center for women offers spa-like amenities paired with advanced breast imaging and diagnostics. The medical center has also expanded pediatric access through onsite specialty clinics affiliated with New Jersey’s top-ranked children’s hospitals. Clinically, it has earned multiple recognitions, including Magnet designation, a “Lantern Award” for emergency care from the Emergency Nurses Association, and a “Silver Beacon Award” for its ICU from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses. The hospital also received the “Prism Award” for excellence in medical-surgical nursing from the Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses and the Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification Board, making it one of just 17 units in the state to achieve the distinction.

Hackensack Meridian Palisades Medical Center (North Bergen, N.J.). Hackensack Meridian Palisades Medical Center is a 197-bed nonprofit hospital that has become a regional hub for high-quality, community-driven care along the Hudson River. The hospital is undergoing a transformation, with major investments in facilities, clinical services and technology, including a new 22,000-square-foot emergency department, a robotic surgery program and an expanded suite of minimally invasive procedures. Community engagement is foundational to its mission, with over 135 outreach events annually and recent honors from Hispanic Organization Leaders of America and Save Latin America for its impact on underserved populations. The medical center serves more than 450,000 people and is the only hospital in the area to earn a Leapfrog “A” rating in both spring and fall of 2024. In addition to being recognized for excellence in maternity care, heart failure, kidney failure and pneumonia by U.S. News & World Report, the medical center is actively expanding specialty access through its on-campus multi-specialty suite and a new referral center. 

Hackensack Meridian Raritan Bay Medical Center (Perth Amboy, N.J.). Hackensack Meridian Raritan Bay Medical Center has significantly expanded its clinical scope while maintaining deep ties to community-based care. In 2024, the hospital established itself as a regional hub for behavioral health within the Hackensack Meridian network by opening 81 inpatient beds and becoming the first facility designated under the “Carrier Behavioral Health model”, a system grounded in individualized, therapeutic environments for patients with mental health and dual-diagnosis needs. Beyond behavioral health, the medical center provides a wide array of specialized services, including a nationally recognized bariatrics program, a Safe Sleep-certified maternity pavilion, and advanced wound and infectious disease care. The medical center also entered into a partnership with Middlesex County George Otlowski Mental Health Center in early 2024 and plans to partner with the FQHC Central Jersey Medical Center in fall 2025. The hospital’s rehabilitation, stroke and cardiac services have earned numerous accolades from Healthgrades, U.S. News & World Report and The Joint Commission. The community hospital is also Magnet-designated for nursing excellence and has received multiple awards recognizing holistic and emergency care. 

Hackensack Meridian Riverview Medical Center (Red Bank, N.J.). Hackensack Meridian Riverview Medical Center blends academic medicine with community care. With a newly renovated emergency care center, ICU and robotic surgery center, the hospital has redefined its infrastructure to support a growing portfolio of high-acuity services. The hospital’s cancer program includes CyberKnife and TrueBeam technologies and is backed by a strategic partnership with New York City-based Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. The medical center is the first in New Jersey to earn advanced certification in total hip and total knee replacement from The Joint Commission, and continues to earn accolades for stroke, pulmonary, prostate and maternal care. Recognized with 11 straight “A” ratings from The Leapfrog Group, it also maintains Magnet status and top honors for patient safety, heart failure and palliative care.

Hackensack Meridian Southern Ocean Medical Center (Stafford Township, N.J.). Hackensack Meridian Southern Ocean Medical Center is a nonprofit hospital delivering high-quality, patient-centered care backed by strategic investment and specialty growth. The hospital recently completed a $31.4 million surgical expansion designed to meet the needs of a growing year-round population, adding new operating rooms, a pre- and post-procedure unit, and an expanded sterile processing department. The hospital offers robust programs in cardiology, bariatrics, stroke and orthopedics, and performs thousands of surgeries annually, with more than 2,000 robotic-assisted procedures with the Da Vinci Xi in just two years. Its cardiovascular services now include 24/7 primary percutaneous coronary intervention and a full-service cath lab, with top honors from the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association. The medical center has also earned Magnet recognition, Leapfrog “A” grades, and numerous designations from U.S. News & World Report for stroke, maternity and respiratory care.

Hackettstown (N.J.) Medical Center. Hackettstown Medical Center has been a trusted provider of care since 1973, serving communities across Warren, Sussex and Morris counties. It holds accreditations from the American College of Radiology for multiple imaging services and is certified as a primary stroke center by both the New Jersey Department of Health and The Joint Commission. The hospital’s cancer program features advanced treatments such as TrueBeam linear accelerator technology and a recently expanded infusion center designed for patient comfort. Its emergency department includes a trauma room and fast-track care for minor injuries, and its wound healing center is accredited for hyperbaric oxygen therapy. The hospital also opened a new behavioral health unit to expand access to mental health services in a bright, flexible setting designed for therapeutic support. The medical center, part of Morristown, N.J.-based Atlantic Health System, was named among the top 10% in the nation for overall pulmonary and critical care services by Healthgrades in 2025. 

Hancock Regional Hospital (Greenfield, Ind.). Since its founding in 1951, 69-bed Hancock Regional Hospital has evolved into a cornerstone of advanced, community-focused care in East Central Indiana. With service lines spanning surgical care, neonatal services, oncology, emergency medicine and transitional care, the hospital ensures seamless, high-quality treatment across all stages of patient need. Committed to safety and quality, the hospital earned an “A” grade for fall 2024 from The Leapfrog Group and has accreditations from the American College of Radiology, American Diabetes Association and other leading organizations. Hancock has been honored for five consecutive years with the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives’ “Digital Health Most Wired” designation, a testament to its strategic adoption of digital tools like tablet-based systems, Nuance Communications Dragon Medical speech recognition, and Meditech’s Expanse Patient Connect platform. These innovations have improved care coordination and patient communication, driving a 35% reduction in appointment no-shows. Most recently, the hospital introduced the da Vinci 5 surgical system to enhance its minimally invasive surgical offerings, signaling its continued investment in state-of-the-art technology. 

Heywood Hospital (Gardner, Mass.). 134-bed Heywood Hospital not only weathered a Chapter 11 reorganization in 2024 but emerged stronger, retaining 100% of its providers, expanding services and earning a CMS 4-star rating. Rather than scaling back, the community hospital reopened its inpatient mental health unit, increased perioperative volume by 17%, and launched a maternal care hub in response to regional service gaps. Its deep-rooted commitment to behavioral health includes school partnerships across five districts, delivering over 5,000 youth telehealth sessions last year alone. Workplace support programs like “Caring for Colleagues” and an employee concierge service reflect a people-first culture, while civic efforts like the “HEAL Collaborative” promote local equity and engagement.

Houston Methodist Baytown (Texas). Founded 75 years ago, Houston Methodist Baytown has emerged as a national leader in clinical performance, ranking No. 3 in Vizient’s “Complex Care Medical Center” cohort in 2024, the third consecutive year it has maintained a top-three position. Dramatic improvement at the medical center began in 2015 with new executive leadership, transforming a struggling facility into one of the country’s best-performing hospitals. The hospital is a two-time Magnet-designated facility, with an ICU that won the “Beacon Gold Award” from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses and a culture that empowers staff and prioritizes excellence in patient care. The community hospital also earned a Leapfrog safety rating of “A” and has earned multiple American Heart Association honors for stroke care, diabetes management and cardiovascular outcomes. Innovations such as telenursing and a state-of-the-art simulation lab for training new nurses reflect its ongoing investment in workforce development and clinical excellence. 

Humboldt Park Health (Chicago). Humboldt Park Health, a 200-bed safety-net hospital on Chicago’s West Side, is nationally recognized for its commitment to health equity and social impact in underserved communities. In 2024, it became the first hospital in the Midwest to receive The Joint Commission’s healthcare equity certification thanks to its data-driven initiatives to reduce health disparities, such as using EHR-integrated social determinants of health data to guide community outreach and care. Through its mobile clinics, the hospital has delivered over 5,000 free medical and dental visits. Meanwhile, targeted health campaigns have significantly boosted screenings, including a 40% increase in mammograms for Black and Latina women. The newly opened $30 million, 45,500-square-foot wellness center offers fitness, mental health and diabetes education at an accessible price for low-income families, encouraging a holistic approach to care. The hospital is also addressing housing insecurity with plans for 300 units of affordable housing adjacent to the wellness center, a move aimed at preventing displacement and improving long-term health outcomes. Humboldt Park Health is a founding member of the Wellness West collaborative and a recipient of Healthgrades’ “Patient Safety Excellence” award for 2023. 

Ivinson Memorial Hospital (Laramie, Wyo). Ivinson Memorial Hospital, a 99-bed community hospital, continues to expand rather than scale back. The organization has completed a new women and children’s center, and is nearing the finish of a multi-phase emergency department renovation supported by public and private funding. Through its care alliance with Aurora-based Children’s Hospital Colorado, the hospital now provides 24/7 specialized neonatal and pediatric care, keeping young families close to home. Efforts to meet local demand have led to the launch of new service lines, including orthopedics and urgent care, as well as the recruitment of key providers across specialties. The hospital’s outreach is just as robust, offering monthly suicide prevention classes, free screenings and support for area nonprofits focused on youth, mental health and food security. Ivinson Memorial was named one of the top 100 rural and community hospitals by the Chartis Center for Rural Health for 2024.

Jersey City (N.J.) Medical Center. Serving Hudson County for over 140 years, 348-bed Jersey City Medical Center, part of West Orange, N.J.-based RWJBarnabas Health, is the region’s only provider of open-heart surgery and a state-designated trauma and level 3 perinatal center. The medical center offers a comprehensive array of services, including a regional heart hospital, a top-tier NICU, and robust cardiac, stroke, orthopedic and cancer programs. The hospital earned Magnet recognition for nursing excellence four consecutive times, and its accolades include Healthgrades’ 2024 “Coronary Intervention Excellence” award and 5-star ratings in orthopedic, sepsis and defibrillator procedures. The medical center has led transformative initiatives such as the “Food FARMacy” to address food insecurity in patients with chronic illnesses, and the opening of a $100 million emergency department expansion with a dedicated pediatric unit. Technological advancements include the region’s first hybrid operating suites with robotic capabilities, a new neurology interventional cath lab, and a renovated vascular suite as part of its expanding cardiovascular and thoracic program with Rutgers University.

Johns Hopkins Howard County (Md.) Medical Center. Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center delivers high-volume, high-quality care to nearly 75,000 emergency department visitors annually. In 2024, the community hospital enhanced behavioral health access with a new emergency department behavioral health unit, while also securing major funding to expand maternity and observation care. Workforce innovation remains a priority, with apprenticeship programs in surgical tech and skilled trades, plus the welcoming of international nurses to address staffing gaps. The hospital’s culture of excellence is reflected in its 4-star CMS rating, national recognition for nurse residency, and recent Joint Commission certification for its total hip and knee program. It is also currently ranked No. 7 in the state by U.S. News & World Report and recognized as “high performing” in nine key conditions, including maternity care, heart failure and stroke. 

Kingman (Ariz.) Regional Medical Center. The largest healthcare provider in northwest Arizona, 235-bed Kingman Regional Medical Center is also the state’s first rural teaching hospital. The medical center offers accredited residency programs in family and emergency medicine, supporting long-term workforce development in a medically underserved region. Over the past decade, the hospital has expanded its workforce by 80%, launched community partnerships and introduced pioneering programs. Chief among those programs is the hepatitis C treatment and elimination initiative, led by pharmacists and supported through customized Meditech EHR tools, which boasts a 95% cure rate. Recognized with a fall 2024 “A” grade from The Leapfrog Group and a 4-star rating for overall hospital quality from CMS, the medical center also holds accolades such as the Healthgrades “Pulmonary Care Excellence Award” and the Arizona Governor’s “Innovation Award”. The WL Nugent Cancer Center’s American Cancer Society grant has enabled over 2,200 patient rides, while advanced technology investments include the Omni Legend 32 positron emission tomography/CT system and the Ion robotic lung biopsy platform.

Lake Charles (La.) Memorial Health System. Lake Charles Memorial Health System serves southwest Louisiana via three community hospitals, over 2,700 employees and 407 licensed beds. The system has expanded access, advanced innovation and maintained an unwavering focus on patient-centered care. Now the area’s largest healthcare employer and second-largest employer overall, the system provides care across a five-parish region while training future physicians through its family medicine residency in partnership with LSU Health New Orleans. The health system has received national recognition for excellence and safety, including Newsweek’s “Best-In-State Hospital”, CareChex top 10% rankings in cardiac and orthopedic care, and accreditation from the Commission on Cancer and American College of Surgeons. In recent years, the system has expanded with new specialty centers and mobile care units, introduced a new Epic EHR system with a $50 million investment and continued building out its robotic-assisted surgery program, which now includes Excelsius GPS and ION lung biopsy technology. It is also the first in the nation to earn transcatheter valve certification from the American College of Cardiology and remains the region’s only trauma center. 

Lake Huron Medical Center (Port Huron, Mich.). Recognized with Healthgrades’ award for patient safety excellence for seven consecutive years, Lake Huron Medical Center ranks among the top 5% of hospitals nationwide for patient safety outcomes. The hospital has consistently earned “A” grades from The Leapfrog Group since 2018, and currently holds both The Joint Commission’s “gold seal of approval” and a 4-Star CMS rating, affirming excellence in regulatory standards and clinical performance. Beyond accolades, the community hospital actively invests in its future, expanding infrastructure with a new patient unit and recruiting additional clinical staff to meet growing community needs. Deeply embedded in its region, the hospital also fosters a strong culture of service through community initiatives like its annual “Giving Tree” clothing drive. 

Lakeview Hospital (Covington, La.). Lakeview Hospital is an acute care facility that has served as a vital healthcare provider on Louisiana’s Northshore since 1977. As the only level 2 trauma center in St. Tammany Parish, it delivers life-saving emergency care to a broad region, including underserved and rural communities. The hospital’s full range of services spans cardiology, stroke care, women’s health, behavioral health and rehabilitation, supported by more than 800 employees and over 240 medical staff. In 2023, the hospital joined the New Orleans-based LCMC Health system, expanding its capacity for coordinated, high-quality care. Recent milestones include the launch of a hospitalist program with Scottsdale, Ariz.-based Apogee Physicians and the opening of a new pediatric therapy clinic in partnership with Children’s Hospital New Orleans. The medical center is recognized as a top workplace by The Times-Picayune and accredited by The Joint Commission.

Logan (W.Va.) Regional Medical Center. Logan Regional Medical Center is a 132-bed community hospital, recognized for delivering exceptional care to rural southern West Virginia through innovation, compassion and dedication. In fall 2024, it was the only hospital in the state to earn an “A” grade for patient safety from The Leapfrog Group and was also named to Newsweek’s “America’s Best-in-State” list. The hospital recently achieved advanced primary stroke center certification from The Joint Commission, received the “Gold Honor” for excellence in patient care from the West Virginia Hospital Association, and was awarded “platinum level” in the Donate Life Hospital Challenge. The medical center continues to invest in modernizing care, including a $20 million emergency department renovation, a state-of-the-art women’s center and $4.2 million in new medical equipment. Its pioneering rural general surgery residency program and partnership with Mountain Health Network and Marshall Health, both based in Huntington, W.Va., expand specialty care access in the region.

MacNeal Hospital (Berwyn, Ill.). MacNeal Hospital is a 374-bed teaching hospital, known for more than a century of clinical excellence, innovation and community leadership. It is home to Illinois’ first family medicine residency program and was named one of the top 50 cardiovascular hospitals by IBM Watson Health in 2020. The hospital earned Magnet with distinction status in 2024, making it one of only 11 hospitals in the nation to receive this designation. Its orthopedic and rehabilitation services are nationally accredited, and in 2025, its cardiac rehab team earned dual certification from the American College of Sports Medicine and American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation. The hospital is also a recognized “Blue Distinction Center+” for maternal medicine and collaborates with Housing Forward to operate Sojourner House, the first medical respite program in suburban Cook County. With a focus on equity and population health, the hospital continues to address social determinants of health and deliver high-quality, compassionate care to over 9,600 annual discharges and more than 51,000 emergency visits.

Major Health Partners (Shelbyville, Ind.). Major Health Partners is a 46-bed rural hospital leading in care quality, innovation and service breadth. The hospital offers a wide array of specialty services uncommon in rural communities, including oncology, orthopedics, plastic surgery and cardiology, ensuring patients can access comprehensive care close to home. The hospital has embraced advanced technologies, such as robotic-assisted hernia repair and Meditech Expanse EHR tools for patient care and oncology, which have improved efficiency, patient engagement, and care coordination across inpatient and outpatient settings. Its imaging department ranks in the top 7% nationally for patient satisfaction, and its innovative hypertension management registry has already produced measurable outcomes in blood pressure control. Major Health Partners has earned repeated recognition as an “INspire Hospital of Distinction” from the Indiana Hospital Association for its excellence in perinatal care, and was named one of the “Top 100 Rural and Community Hospitals” by The Chartis Group in 2023. 

Mat-Su Regional Medical Center (Palmer, Alaska). Mat-Su Regional Medical Center is a 125-bed community hospital providing a comprehensive range of inpatient and outpatient services, including emergency care, robotic surgery, advanced wound care and behavioral health. As Alaska’s only level 3 trauma center and an accredited chest pain center and primary stroke center, it earned a 2025 “A” hospital safety grade from The Leapfrog Group and a 2023 “Stroke Gold Plus Achievement” award from the American Heart Association. The hospital delivered care in more than 197,000 patient encounters in 2024 and contributed over $164 million in total community benefit, including $19 million in uncompensated care. The community hospital invested $3 million in capital improvements last year, including a second cardiac catheterization suite and upgraded imaging technology. Successful 2024 recruitment brought 17 new providers across key specialties, enhancing access and expanding services. The hospital also serves as a training hub for over 500 students annually.

MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital (Leonardtown, Md.). MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital has served as a trusted healthcare provider for more than a century, balancing its rural roots with forward-leaning innovation. With 91 beds, the hospital offers a wide range of acute and specialty services, including behavioral health, maternity care, stroke treatment and robotic-assisted surgery, which is a rarity among rural hospitals. In fiscal year 2024 alone, it recorded nearly 43,000 emergency visits and over 111,000 outpatient visits, playing an essential role in its county. To enhance staff wellbeing and patient care, the hospital has launched initiatives like the “Purple Diamond” designation to help minimize violent altercations onsite and a peer recovery counselor model for substance use support. The hospital benefits from Columbia, Md.-based MedStar Health’s clinical strength but is ultimately defined by local connection, with 81% of its staff living in the county. The hospital is Magnet-designated and has received 11 “A” grades from The Leapfrog Group, as well as national recognition for its maternity, orthopedic and wound care services. 

Memorial Hospital (Marysville, Ohio). Independent leadership, financial discipline and community-focused expansion have helped the 1,100-employee Memorial Hospital become a thriving community hospital. Defying national trends, the hospital grew its net patient revenue from $54 million in 2004 to more than $170 million in 2022, reinvesting in projects such as its modern inpatient and outpatient pavilions and the Memorial Heart & Surgical Pavilion, built in partnership with Columbus-based Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. It now offers 24/7 interventional cardiac care, a regional cancer center through The James Cancer Network and advanced orthopedic services like robotic-assisted joint replacements. The hospital enhances wellness with programs like “Mobile Meals” and youth sports medicine outreach. Thanks to its tireless commitment to accessible care delivery, the hospital has received a 5-star CMS rating and nine consecutive “A” safety grades from The Leapfrog Group. 

Mercy Hospital (Durango, Colo.). Mercy Hospital is an 82-bed acute-care facility and the largest, most advanced medical center in Southwest Colorado. Founded in 1882, it is part of Chicago-based CommonSpirit Health and remains a nonprofit hospital committed to community wellness. It is the only hospital in the region to receive a 5-star overall hospital quality rating from Medicare. The hospital specializes in orthopedic and spine surgery, cardiology, emergency and trauma care, and cancer treatment. In addition, Mercy Hospital integrates advanced technology like a 64-slice CT scanner and breast MRI with holistic healing elements like a labyrinth, a healing garden, a chapel and an executive chef-curated meal program. Its “Touch, Love, and Compassion” program offers complementary therapies such as healing touch, aromatherapy and guided meditation to support mind-body wellness. In fiscal year 2024 alone, Mercy provided $6.4 million in financial assistance for patients.

Midland (Texas) Memorial Hospital. 540-bed Midland Memorial Hospital serves nearly 175,000 residents of West Texas. With over 2,200 employees and a strong academic partnership with Midland College and the University of Texas Permian Basin, the hospital is home to accredited nurse residency and fellowship programs, along with a robust simulation center that logged over 18,000 training hours in just a year. Recent advancements feature the development of the Permian Basin Behavioral Health Center, a major joint initiative with Medical Center Health System that addresses regional mental health needs, along with hospital expansions that include renovated procedural suites, new provider offices and a convenient in-house pharmacy. The hospital offers a comprehensive violence prevention program that has garnered state support and culminated in the hosting of the region’s first area-wide prevention conference. Midland Memorial leverages initiatives like health-at-home and partnerships with leading pediatric and trauma care systems to advance care for its community. The hospital was recognized as a Healthcare Innovation “Top Company to Work for in Healthcare” for 2025.

Mile Bluff Medical Center (Mauston, Wis.). The 40-bed Mile Bluff Medical Center delivers innovative, high-quality care to over 55,000 residents across eight counties. As the region’s only full-service hospital, the medical center offers a full continuum of care that spans acute services, nursing and rehab centers, clinics, and specialty programs like sleep studies and oncology. Additionally, the medical center partners with over 40 visiting specialists to ensure comprehensive access close to home. The center has embraced cutting-edge technology, becoming the first to implement the AI-powered Expanse Navigator with Google Health, enabling clinicians to save over seven minutes per patient encounter through rapid data summarization. Its robust opioid stewardship program and award-winning diabetes care earned it the American Heart Association’s “Target: Type 2 Diabetes” recognition in 2024, as well as the “Performance Leadership Award” from The Chartis Center for Rural Health that same year. The medical center has invested in a new birth center, infusion and cancer care center, and nuclear medicine imaging suite.

Miller County Hospital (Colquitt, Ga.). Miller County Hospital is a 25-bed critical access hospital transforming both healthcare and community development. The rural hospital has provided over $6.2 million in charitable care and contributed more than $4.65 million to local infrastructure, education and workforce development initiatives. The hospital offers rare rural services such as a metabolic disease center, rheumatology services and a state-of-the-art microbiology lab, reducing the need for patients to travel for specialty care. Recent innovations include a Bright Horizons onsite childcare center for staff, expanded clinical training partnerships, and community redevelopment efforts like park creation and building revitalization. Miller County Hospital has also deeply invested in technical training, with a $50,000 donation to build a student welding facility and an annual $50,000 in funding to Andrew College in support of nursing and respiratory therapy education. 

Mishawaka (Ind.) Medical Center. Mishawaka Medical Center, a 254-bed acute-care hospital, is known for innovation in care delivery, clinical excellence, and sustainable design. The hospital pioneered the “TogetherTeam Virtual Connected Care” model, which integrates virtual nursing support with bedside care to enhance outcomes, reduce burnout and mentor early-career nurses. Recognized as one of the top 15 health systems in the U.S. by PINC AI and Fortune, it has also been rated “high performing” by U.S. News & World Report for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart attack, hip replacement, and knee replacement. Recent accolades include the “Gold Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health” and the “INspire Hospital of Distinction” award for maternal and infant care. As the region’s first Joint Commission-certified primary stroke unit, Mishawaka Medical Center continues to expand its services in behavioral health, orthopedics, imaging and senior care. The hospital brings a history of more than 150 years in faith-based healthcare.

Monadnock Community Hospital (Peterborough, N.H.). Located in rural New Hampshire, the 25-bed Monadnock Community Hospital has served its community for over a century with compassionate, patient-focused care. Under the leadership of its president and CEO, the hospital has launched new specialty practices in cardiology, gastroenterology and rheumatology, expanding local access to essential services. The hospital’s innovative mobile integrated healthcare program brings emergency services, wellness visits and chronic disease support directly into patients’ homes, helping to overcome transportation and accessibility barriers. Guided by its community health needs assessment, Monadnock Community Hospital strategically addresses social determinants of health, mental health care and provider shortages through recruitment, outreach and education. Recognized for both operational strength and patient satisfaction, the hospital was named among New Hampshire’s top women-led nonprofits by Business NH Magazine for 2024.

Monmouth Medical Center (Long Branch, N.J.). Monmouth Medical Center, a 514-bed teaching hospital and the oldest in Monmouth and Ocean counties, is a regional leader in clinical innovation, maternal health and academic excellence. Serving as a regional medical campus for Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, the medical center trains future physicians across multiple specialties and provides comprehensive care to over 23,000 inpatients and 180,000 outpatients annually. Its nationally acclaimed Leon Hess Cancer Center and Jacqueline M. Wilentz Breast Center offer cutting-edge treatments, robust clinical trials and elite accreditations, while The Unterberg Children’s Hospital is home to New Jersey’s first level 3 NICU and delivers more babies than any other facility in the region. The medical center has earned 23 consecutive “A” grades from The Leapfrog Group, a Magnet redesignation with distinction, and recognition from Newsweek and U.S. News & World Report for infection prevention and specialty care. The hospital has also introduced first-in-state technologies like the Ion robotic-assisted platform for lung biopsies and the Aliya PEF system for thoracic oncology. Monmouth also boasts recent expansions including the Vogel Medical Campus, community programs like the LiveWell Center, and partnerships supporting joint replacement and food insecurity.

Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus (Lakewood, N.J.). Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus features 161 beds and a commitment to elder care, advanced diagnostics and patient-centered innovation. It is the only hospital in the region offering private rooms on all inpatient units, enhancing comfort and recovery. The medical center houses the state-of-the-art James and Sharon Maida Geriatrics Institute, which, along with its geriatric emergency medicine and acute care for elders units, provides specialized, interdisciplinary care for patients 65 and older. The hospital has earned consistent “A” safety grades from The Leapfrog Group, a 4-star CMS rating, and accreditations across ultrasound, MRI, pathology and echocardiography. The medical center has also been designated as a “Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders” hospital and a leader in organ donation. In 2024, the hospital launched a medical behavioral specialty unit to address the complex intersection of medical and psychiatric care, and became an early adopter of fractional flow reserve–CT technology to help cardiologists noninvasively evaluate coronary artery disease. The hospital also received a grant to expand its post-Covid rehabilitation program, helping underserved patients navigate long-term recovery with bilingual support.

Monroe County Hospital (Forsyth, Ga.). Monroe County Hospital is a rural 25-bed facility that has strategically reinvested in its people, services and infrastructure. Amid a national trend of rural hospital closures, the hospital achieved its first positive operating profit in over seven years, reduced contract labor costs by nearly 50% and experienced notable growth in key service lines, including a 21.4% increase in swing bed utilization and over 10,700 emergency department visits in the past year. Recent innovations include expanded emergency services, modernized diagnostic equipment and plans for future facility upgrades. Internally, the hospital has prioritized workforce engagement through competitive compensation, cultural initiatives and family-friendly events. Accredited for healthcare quality, process excellence, laboratory services and radiology, the hospital has elevated both quality and patient trust while earning several local “Best of Monroe” awards. 

Monroe Hospital (Bloomington, Ind.). Monroe Hospital is an award-winning, 32-bed hospital. A member of the Ontario, Calif.-based Prime Healthcare, the hospital provides Bloomington and surrounding communities with healthcare tailored to each patient’s individuality and unique needs. Utilizing leading-edge technology, the facility provides skilled physicians and their patients with resources aimed at providing optimum outcomes. In July 2025, the hospital was recognized by the Lown Institute for social responsibility.

Montrose (Colo.) Regional Health. Montrose Regional Health, a nonprofit 75-bed community healthcare system in western Colorado, provides care across seven counties and has become a regional referral center through specialty service expansion and innovative technology. The system includes a level 3 trauma center, a newly constructed 90,000-square-foot ambulatory care center, and cutting-edge capabilities such as robotic-assisted surgery and UVC disinfection. The system employs more than 950 staff and 188 providers across 32 specialties, making it the second-largest employer in Montrose County. Surgical volume has dramatically increased, rising by 32% in 2022, 54% in 2023 and 49% in 2024, driven by service line growth in gastroenterology, spine care and pulmonology. Recognized for excellence in patient care, the system has earned accolades such as the 2025 Healthgrades “Patient Safety” and “Outstanding Patient Experience” awards and has been named a Chartis “Top 100 Rural and Community Hospital” nine times.

MyMichigan Health (Midland). MyMichigan Health is a non-profit health system that serves over a million residents across a 26-county region via medical centers in Alma, Alpena, Clare, Gladwin, Midland, Mt. Pleasant, Saginaw, Sault Ste. Marie Standish, Tawas and West Branch, with additional affiliations with medical centers in St. Ignace and Mackinac Island. The system provides care in more than 80 specialties and subspecialties, as well as urgent care, home health and virtual services. As a partner of the Ann Arbor-based University of Michigan Health System, MyMichigan Health is deeply invested in community health, workforce development and medical education, training future physicians, nurses and clinical specialists through robust academic partnerships. In fiscal year 2023 alone, MyMichigan provided more than $128 million in community benefits and generated $3.4 billion in gross revenue, supporting its mission to reinvest in patient care, technology and staff well-being. Its strategic focus on health equity and social determinants of health is guided by regular community health needs assessments, which inform targeted investments in local health improvement initiatives. 

NMC Health (Newton, Kan.). NMC Health, a 99-bed hospital that pairs high-tech innovation with hometown compassion, is a consistent presence on the Chartis’ “Top 100 Rural and Community Hospitals” list and a recent 4-star CMS recipient. Responding to growing mental health needs, NMC Health recently expanded its emergency department with new behavioral health crisis spaces, funded through competitive rural innovation grants. The hospital has also introduced robotic joint replacement with Mako SmartRobotics, added new telemedicine programs for pulmonary and critical care, and upgraded its CT scanner to enhance imaging privacy and efficiency. NMC is also investing in future healthcare workers, welcoming over 350 students to opportunities ranging from shadowing, patient care technician programs, college rotations, capstones, research projects and post-doctoral training opportunities in 2024 alone.

Neshoba County General Hospital (Philadelphia, Miss.). Neshoba General has been a cornerstone of care in its community since 1948, evolving from a small local hospital into a trusted regional healthcare provider. The hospital offers a broad range of services, including preventive care, 24-hour ambulance support, advanced outpatient therapy, surgery and oncology, all tailored to meet the needs of rural residents close to home. Over the past decade, the hospital has significantly expanded its capabilities through strategic investments in staff and medical technology, ensuring patients receive modern, high-quality care without the burden of travel. With core values centered on compassion, innovation and integrity, Neshoba General strives to be the healthcare provider of choice through a mission of advancing the community’s health with value-driven service. It operates key programs like a pain management center, sleep center, occupational wellness initiative and a full-service nursing home. Neshoba General was honored as one of The Chartis Center for Rural Health’s top 100 rural and community hospitals for 2025.

Newton (N.J.) Medical Center. Newton Medical Center has served the tri-state area since 1932 and remains the only emergency department in Sussex County, caring for over 36,000 patients annually. The hospital, part of Morristown, N.J.-based Atlantic Health System, offers specialized services in behavioral health, cardiology, maternity and breast health, including Sussex County’s only center for breast health and a Baby-Friendly USA-designated maternity unit with all-private suites and a special care nursery. The medical center is a certified primary stroke center, providing rapid stroke care in collaboration with the Atlantic Neuroscience Institute through New Jersey’s first stroke telemedicine program, and offers percutaneous coronary intervention procedures via the Charles L. Tice Heart Center. It has been named one of Healthgrades’ “America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Pulmonary and Critical Care” for 2024-25. In the community, Newton Medical Center has trained over 7,000 residents and distributed more than 1,000 automated external defibrillators through its longstanding defibrillator initiative, and supports disability inclusion via a partnership with Project SEARCH. In 2024, the hospital launched the “ARRIVE Together” program, an innovative collaboration with law enforcement to improve crisis responses and connect individuals to behavioral health support.

NKC Health (Kansas City, Mo.): NKC Health Hospital, a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network, offers its patients access to advanced digital health tools, including eConsults and Rochester, Minn.-based Mayo Clinic’s clinical decision resources, enhancing care quality and speed. The hospital has implemented leading-edge spinal surgery techniques, including robotic-assisted and minimally invasive procedures, and its women’s imaging center is a breast imaging center of excellence. The hospital has been named among U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Hospitals for Maternity Care” for three consecutive years and earned Newsweek’s 2025 “Best-in-State Hospital” distinction. Additionally, the hospital was recognized with the “Healthiest Employer Award” by the Kansas City Business Journal for 2025. 

North Oaks Medical Center (Hammond, La.). North Oaks Medical Center, a 330-bed independent hospital that has evolved over the past 65 years into a high-performing regional referral center. Serving nearly 1.3 million patients annually, it combines the agility of a local hospital with the impact of a $2.7 billion economic engine, thanks to reinvestment in workforce, infrastructure and technology. North Oaks is home to a level 2 trauma center, a primary stroke center and a Blue Distinction Center+ for maternity care, and has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best hospitals for maternity care for 2025. In 2024, North Oaks launched a graduate medical education program to strengthen the physician pipeline in underserved communities, and in 2025 initiated an $11 million wage investment to enhance workforce satisfaction and retention. The hospital was also responsible for beginning Louisiana’s first hospital-based non-perishable food pantry, “Feeding Our Own,” as part of its holistic approach to health. This year, North Oaks began expanding its footprint with a $50 million outpatient clinic building and new urgent care acquisitions.

North Texas Medical Center (Gainesville). North Texas Medical Center is a 60-bed acute care hospital serving North Texas and Southern Oklahoma. The hospital was named a 5-star hospital in both patient satisfaction and quality of care by CMS, and recently received the Center for Improvement in Healthcare Quality “Center of Excellence in Nursing” award. The medical center’s 24-hour emergency department includes 12 treatment rooms. The hospital encompasses advanced expertise in both inpatient and outpatient services including respiratory, general surgery, orthopedics, labor and delivery, cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation, laboratory, medical imaging, therapy services and wound care. In addition to the services offered in the hospital, the medical center has five clinics in Gainesville, including clinics for primary care, women’s care, pediatric care, orthopedics and surgical services. The hospital was recently named as the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce “Member of the Year”. With more than 350 employees, the medical center is one of the largest employers in Cooke County. 

Northfield (Minn.) Hospital + Clinics. Northfield Hospital + Clinics is a 37-bed independent hospital system in Minnesota that has remained competitive against major regional systems by delivering personalized, state-of-the-art care to its community for over 100 years. With 22 locations, 48 specialties and over 115 providers, the system has recently expanded services including a new clinic, urgent care, birth center and wound healing center. In 2024, it earned Commission on Cancer accreditation and became a surgical quality partner with the American College of Surgeons. The system also innovated its patient communication processes through automated messaging, saving over 80 staff hours monthly and reducing no-shows by 15%. The system is currently piloting a fully self-guided urgent care check-in system to further enhance patient experience. Additionally, it has expanded telehealth offerings to increase access for rural patients and enable provider collaboration across systems.

Northside Hospital (Atlanta). Northside Hospital, a 2,178-bed community health system, delivers high-quality, inclusive, and innovative care across 25 counties through five acute care hospitals, nearly 500 outpatient sites, and a network of over 32,000 providers and staff. The system is nationally recognized for its leadership in women’s health, offering pioneering programs like cardio-obstetrics, perinatal mental health services and one of the first high-risk cancer screening clinics, while delivering more babies than any other community hospital globally. Its culturally responsive initiatives, including a nationally certified interpretation services team, ensure care access for Georgia’s diverse populations. Northside also operates one of the country’s largest community-based oncology programs, running over 60 active clinical trials, and is a leader in minimally invasive robotic surgery, outpatient joint replacements, and blood and marrow transplant services. Notably, it is the only hospital in Georgia with a blood and marrow transplant program achieving statistically superior survival outcomes and has introduced innovative support programs like trauma survivor networks and multidisciplinary second opinions in cancer care. The hospital has earned accolades from U.S. News & World Report, Healthgrades, Newsweek and The Joint Commission.

OSF Little Company of Mary Medical Center (Evergreen Park, Ill.). OSF Little Company of Mary has been a healthcare fixture since 1930, serving five Chicago Southland neighborhoods. The acute-care hospital provides advanced services, including a comprehensive cancer center, a family birthing center, a center for weight management and bariatric surgery, and 16 satellite facilities. The hospital has been a designated “Baby-Friendly Hospital” since 2012 and has received a “Women’s Choice Award” for being among America’s best breast centers. Additionally, OSF Little Company of Mary has been voted “Best of Chicago’s Southland” across multiple categories, including bariatric surgery, cancer care, birthing, women’s health and addiction counseling. Its bariatric surgery program recently earned comprehensive center accreditation from the American College of Surgeons’ metabolic and bariatric surgery accreditation and quality improvement program. In fiscal year 2024, OSF Little Company of Mary served 97,655 individuals and recorded nearly 50,000 emergency department visits. In June, the hospital will launch “OSF CompleteCare 55+”, a new primary care model offering personalized support, flexible access and care coordination specifically designed for adults age 55 and older with ongoing health conditions.

OSF Saint Elizabeth Medical Center (Ottawa, Ill.). OSF HealthCare is reshaping health care delivery in rural Illinois, stepping in to strengthen local access after other hospitals and providers have scaled back or left certain communities. With the opening of a second campus of OSF Saint Elizabeth Medical Center in Peru, Ill., the organization is moving forward with a regional model aimed at long-term sustainability. Plans are underway to centralize intensive care and obstetrics services in Peru, positioning it as the area’s core site for more complex care needs. Meanwhile, the Ottawa campus continues to offer essential services, ensuring coverage across the region. The OSF approach focuses on building coordinated access to specialties like heart and vascular care, cancer treatment, behavioral health, orthopedics and women’s health, meeting the needs of a rural population facing growing health care gaps. In a time of consolidation and closures, OSF is investing, expanding and adapting to keep care within reach for rural Illinois residents.

Orlando Health South Lake Hospital (Clermont, Fla.). Orlando Health South Lake Hospital has been a trusted healthcare provider since 1947, offering services ranging from emergency care and cardiology to women’s health and orthopedics. Located on a 180-acre campus, the hospital recently opened a new five-story patient tower, expanding its ICU, intermediate and progressive care units, and enhancing services at its center for women and babies. The community hospital has also expanded its hospital care at home program. Orlando Health South Lake is also home to the National Training Center, a premier facility for athletic training and adaptive sports such as the Department of Defense’s “Warrior Games”. Community investment is central to its mission, with educational partnerships supporting healthcare career pathways for high school students and programs tailored for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The hospital is nationally recognized for excellence, including 14 consecutive “A” grades from The Leapfrog Group and a designation as a top teaching hospital for 2024. 

Overlook Medical Center (Summit, N.J.). Overlook Medical Center, part of Morristown, N.J.-based Atlantic Health System, is a 513-bed hospital leading in neuroscience, cardiac care, oncology and innovation. Consistently ranked among the nation’s 50 best hospitals by Healthgrades and a Newsweek “World’s Best Hospital” for seven consecutive years, the community hospital is home to the Atlantic Neuroscience Institute and is New Jersey’s first comprehensive stroke center. The hospital also features the 12,000-square-foot Hersh Children’s Center, a hybrid center that joins pediatric emergency and inpatient care. The hospital is a leader in neurosurgical innovation, with pioneering use of technologies like CyberKnife, ROSA Brain robot, ExcelsiusGPS and telestroke-in-ambulance care. In 2025, Overlook completed a major expansion with the new East Building, featuring advanced centers for maternity, neuroscience, cardiology and critical care, each enhancing patient outcomes and comfort with thoughtfully-designed all-private rooms and technology-enabled units. The hospital has achieved Magnet status for nursing excellence, Leapfrog “A” safety grades since 2021, and national recognition for supporting Black maternal health and behavioral health through its “EmPATH” unit, the first of its kind in New Jersey. 

Ozarks Healthcare (West Plains, Mo.). Ozarks Healthcare, a 114-bed rural system, has become a national leader in EHR optimization, achieving top percentile rankings in the 2024 KLAS Arch Collaborative survey through its physician- and nurse-focused training program. Led by its CMIO, the organization boosted its net EHR experience score by nearly 50 points since 2019, reflecting major workflow improvements and high staff satisfaction. Ozarks also earned two KLAS “EHR Experience Breakthrough” awards and a 2024 gold medal from Health Quality Innovators for its data-driven performance. Community impact is a cornerstone of Ozarks’ mission, with initiatives like the “Inside Track” program and “MAS*H Camp” preparing local high school students for healthcare careers. The system also invested in critical equipment through its foundation, including a portable ultrasound to improve infusion care for cancer patients, and offered free sports physicals to student-athletes.

Pampa (Texas) Regional Medical Center. Pampa Regional Medical Center, part of Ontario, Calif.-based Prime Healthcare, has been expanding services and access for the rural population it serves. The hospital has introduced new service lines, including outpatient mental health and pain management, and added a nurse practitioner to its urgent care team to improve patient access. It has also invested in advanced diagnostic tools such as the Siemens Mammomat Revelation 3D wide-angle mammography system and the Philips Incisive CT scanner, bringing cutting-edge technology to rural care. The hospital plays an active role in the community through initiatives like free school physicals, health fairs, charity drives and family events. In 2025, it was recognized by Healthgrades for excellence in the treatment of sepsis and currently ranks among the top Prime Healthcare facilities for patient satisfaction. 

Parkview Bryan Hospital (Ohio). Parkview Bryan Hospital blends small-town accessibility with big-system strength. Following its 2023 affiliation with Fort Wayne, Ind.-based Parkview Health, the 45-bed hospital gained expanded access to specialty services and resources, including streamlined referrals to regional hubs like the Parkview Heart Institute and Packnett Family Cancer Institute. The integration also brought technological upgrades, such as Epic EHR, which enhanced continuity of care across the network. In recent months, the community hospital introduced a state-of-the-art linear accelerator for precision radiation therapy and became the first in the region to offer robotic-assisted surgery with the da Vinci system. The hospital remains stable and growing, maintaining one of the only remaining family birthing centers in northwest Ohio. It has received consistent national recognition, including a designation as one of the top 20 rural hospitals from the National Rural Health Association for 2025.

Pender (Neb.) Community Hospital. Pender Community Hospital is a 21-bed critical access facility. In 2024, it earned a 5-star rating from the National Rural Rating System and was named to the National Rural Honor Roll, following its inclusion in Chartis’ “Top 100 Critical Access Hospitals” in 2023. The hospital has dramatically improved its revenue cycle performance by adopting the Meditech EHR platform and applying the “define, measure, analyze, improve and control” methodology. These changes have led to a reduction in accounts receivable days from 55 to 30, and denials as a percentage of accounts receivable from 21% to 6%. The hospital is also a pioneer in surgical recovery, implementing an enhanced recovery after surgery program in partnership with Austin, Texas-based Goldfinch Health to reduce opioid use and speed healing times. Recent digital upgrades to its patient portal further support care continuity, offering patients and caregivers full access to medical records, appointment scheduling, prescription refills and billing tools.

Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton (N.J.). Located on a 67-acre campus in Hamilton Township,N.J., 287-bed Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton delivers high-quality, comprehensive care across a wide network of services, from acute inpatient care to outpatient diagnostics and wellness initiatives. The hospital is nationally recognized for excellence, having received 14 “A” grades for patient safety from The Leapfrog Group and the prestigious “Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award”, one of only two hospitals in the state to do so. A Magnet-recognized nursing institution, the hospital is also certified by The Joint Commission in multiple specialties, including stroke, spine surgery, and hip and knee replacement, and was named a level 10 “Most Wired” hospital by The College of Healthcare Information Management Executives in 2023. Its center for orthopedic and spine health is the only nationally certified orthopedic program in the capital region, and its cancer program offers access to cutting-edge clinical trials and advanced therapies through its partnership with the Rutgers Cancer Institute. The hospital extends its reach through outpatient centers nearby townships, as well as through its fitness and wellness center, enhancing access to preventive care and rehabilitation. 

Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Rahway (N.J.). The 241-bed Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Rahway has served Union County, N.J. for over a century, delivering a full continuum of care that spans acute, long-term and rehabilitative services. The hospital is recognized with an “A” hospital safety grade from The Leapfrog Group and has earned national accreditations from the Joint Commission and the American College of Surgeons for its bariatric surgery program, as well as diabetes care certification from the American Diabetes Association. As a state-designated primary stroke center, the hospital offers advanced emergency cardiac and stroke care, while also supporting recovery through its specialized wound care center, which includes hyperbaric oxygen therapy and diabetes management. Its facilities extend beyond the hospital campus to include subacute rehabilitation and long-term acute care through partnerships with Louisville, Ky.-based Kindred Healthcare and Jersey City, N.J.-based Alaris Health. Recent innovations include expanded community outreach and education programs, along with comprehensive fitness center-based outpatient therapy services, both physical and aquatic. The hospital has earned various honors, including The College of Health Care Information Management Executives’ “Most Wired” designation in 2023.

Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset (Somerville, N.J.). Founded in 1899, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset is a 333-bed teaching hospital that leads in specialty care, inclusivity and community investment. Recognized as one of “America’s 250 Best Hospitals” by Healthgrades in 2024 and awarded Magnet status for nursing excellence, the hospital has earned accolades across critical care, maternity, orthopedic and stroke services. The community hospital is home to several unique programs, including the Babs Siperstein PROUD Center, which is the first primary care center in the state dedicated to LGBTQ+ health. Additionally, it houses one of the state’s only inpatient eating disorder programs, which was recently expanded to 20 beds with distinct units for adolescents and adults. As part of an ambitious growth plan, RWJUH Somerset completed a 76,000-square-foot, two-story vertical expansion project in November 2024, featuring 45 all-private patient rooms and a therapy gym. The hospital also champions health equity through community initiatives like “Healing Homes”, which provides transitional housing for medically vulnerable families, and its multicultural medical programs for Indian, Chinese and Hispanic residents. 

Roosevelt General Hospital (Portales, N.M.). A 24-bed critical access facility in rural New Mexico, Roosevelt General Hospital has established itself as a model of innovation and financial resilience. By implementing Meditech as a service, a cloud-based EHR model, the hospital eliminated the need for costly on-site infrastructure, supported remote work, and significantly boosted staff retention and efficiency. Since 2021, the hospital has increased collections by 43%, streamlined revenue cycle operations and now processes 95% of payments electronically, dramatically reducing manual work and accounts receivable days. Leadership uses real-time data analytics and community health needs assessments to guide strategic investments in their operating room and clinics, ensuring alignment with evolving community needs. The hospital’s leadership team also engaged directly with the state governor to advocate for rural healthcare reform.

Saint Francis Hospital (Evanston, Ill.). Part of Ontario, Calif.-based Prime Healthcare, Saint Francis Hospital is a Joint Commission-accredited, 197-bed acute care facility recognized for its clinical excellence and comprehensive specialty services. The hospital operates a level 1 trauma-certified emergency department and is a Joint Commission-certified primary stroke center, offering 24/7 emergency care with advanced stroke management capabilities. The medical center provides leading cardiac, cancer, orthopedic and women’s health services, supplemented by robotic-assisted technology for minimally invasive procedures, state-of-the-art imaging, lab services and an inpatient rehabilitation center. It holds multiple accreditations, a Leapfrog safety grade of “A,” and was honored with the Healthgrades award for patient safety excellence. The hospital is currently on the path toward Magnet recognition, thanks to its commitment to advancing nursing excellence and patient-centered care.

Sharp Memorial Hospital (San Diego). Home to the region’s largest emergency and trauma center, 656-bed Sharp Memorial Hospital is a nationally recognized leader in advanced cardiac, neurological, cancer, orthopedic and transplant care. In 2024 alone, the hospital recorded over 100,000 emergency department visits, performed more than 21,000 surgeries and provided over $231 million in community benefits. It is a Magnet-designated hospital and a Planetree “gold-level patient-centered hospital”, with accreditations and excellence awards from the Joint Commission, American College of Radiology, Extracorporeal Life Support Organization and Healthgrades. Notably, Sharp Memorial performed San Diego County’s first robotic kidney transplant in 2025. The hospital also launched a new hip preservation clinic integrating osteotomy and arthroscopy services. Additionally, it was the recipient of multiple honors from Newsweek, the American Heart Association and The Leapfrog Group, including being named a top teaching hospital by the latter. 

Sherman Oaks (Calif.) Hospital. As part of Ontario, Calif.-based Prime Healthcare, Sherman Oaks Hospital is a leading provider of specialized medical care in the San Fernando Valley, meeting the diverse needs of its community. The hospital offers a full spectrum of services, including a certified primary stroke center, advanced cardiac cath lab services, and a nationally recognized wound healing center with hyperbaric oxygen therapy. From 2014-25, Sherman Oaks Hospital received the Healthgrades’ award for patient safety excellence for 12 consecutive years, placing it among the top 5% of hospitals nationwide for patient safety. The hospital’s multidisciplinary care teams support a wide array of services ranging from gero-psychiatric and subacute care to gastrointestinal, respiratory and emergency medicine. Specialty recognition includes 5-star ratings for treatment of sepsis, diabetic emergencies, pneumonia, heart failure and hip fractures. 

Signature Healthcare Brockton (Mass.) Hospital. Signature Healthcare Brockton Hospital, a 216-bed nonprofit teaching hospital founded in 1896, is the largest inpatient facility in Brockton and serves 21 surrounding municipalities. Following a devastating 10-alarm fire in February 2023, the hospital made a remarkable recovery, safely evacuating 160 patients and reopening in August 2024 with state-of-the-art upgrades. These enhancements include a new outpatient surgical center, a 12-unit behavioral health triage in the emergency department, modernized cardiac catheterization labs, a welcoming main lobby and a 1.5-megawatt solar array to reduce its carbon footprint. The hospital was rated “high performing” by U.S. News & World Report for treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, heart failure, hip replacement and pneumonia. The community hospital continues to prioritize seamless, patient-centered care through the rollout of Meditech’s Traverse Exchange, which supports improved interoperability and care coordination across regions and networks.

Snoqualmie (Wash.) Valley Health. Snoqualmie Valley Health, a 25-bed critical access hospital, uses innovation, strategic growth and deep community engagement to enhance healthcare in rural Washington. As an independent public hospital district, the hospital has expanded key services in 2025, including low-dose CT lung screening, a new 3D mammography program, and the launch of a 24/7 trauma-informed program for survivors of interpersonal violence. With telemetry system upgrades reducing transfers and enhancing complex care capabilities, the hospital continues to keep care local and accessible. The hospital ranked in the top 10% of critical access hospitals in Washington for patient satisfaction and has maintained a trusted emergency department with rising trauma activation volumes. Recognized with awards such as “Best Community Partner” by the Snoqualmie Valley Regional Chamber and top fundraising honors from the Rural Health Collaborative, the community hospital also broke ground on a new ambulatory services hub to unify outpatient care. 

Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hospital (Yates County, N.Y.). Having recently celebrated its centennial, the 25-bed critical access Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hospital is the rural New York county’s sole hospital. The hospital provides vital services, including a 24/7 emergency department, advanced imaging, primary and behavioral care, and skilled nursing. It operates the only CT scanner and urgent care practice in the county, while expanding access through new clinics and community partnerships. In 2024, the hospital received multiple American Heart Association “Get With The Guidelines” awards for coronary artery disease and STEMI care, recognizing its interdisciplinary approach and rapid response times. The hospital also ranks No. 10 in New York for emergency department throughput, with a median provider wait time of just seven minutes, making it among the fastest in the state. 

South Shore Health (South Weymouth, Mass.). The 374-bed South Shore Health delivers comprehensive care while remaining deeply rooted in community service. The system supports regional wellbeing through initiatives like its community resource directory and emergency skills training, and is a three-time WorkWell Massachusetts award recipient for employee wellness. South Shore Health’s recent clinical innovations include implementing the CathWorks FFRangio system to enhance cardiac diagnostics and introducing advanced radiation technologies like the Varian TrueBeam for cancer treatment. It has also improved financial sustainability by cutting contingent labor costs by 33% using a data-driven workforce strategy. Recognized as a Magnet hospital and a Blue Distinction Center+ for spine and bariatric surgery, it has also received the “Beacon Award for Critical Care Excellence” from American Association of Critical Care Nurses and the “Guardian of Excellence” award for patient experience across multiple specialties from Press Ganey.

Southern Ohio Medical Center (Portsmouth). Recognized among Fortune’s “100 Best Companies to Work For” in 2022, Southern Ohio Medical Center is a 211-bed hospital that serves a rural population across southern Ohio and northern Kentucky with high rates of poverty and chronic disease. The hospital has earned 11 consecutive “A” grades from The Leapfrog Group for patient safety and has been nationally recognized for quality, including a 5-star Medicare rating for its home care services. The medical center leads in rural innovation, from implementing advanced screening to reduce C. difficile infections to pioneering the use of Meditech’s opioid stewardship toolkit in response to the region’s opioid crisis. It also champions antibiotic stewardship through EHR-integrated decision support, achieving a 29% reduction in unnecessary urine culture orders. Committed to service and outreach, the medical center also offers free health programs, supports placenta donation for healing grafts and engages in global medical missions.

Southwestern Medical Center (Lawton, Okla.). Southwestern Medical Center is a 199-bed, 4-star CMS-rated hospital known for delivering high-quality, comprehensive care to Southwest Oklahoma. It has earned consistent national recognition, including an “A” grade for hospital safety from The Leapfrog Group, Healthgrades’ 2024 “Outstanding Patient Experience” award, and multiple appearances on Newsweek’s “Best-In-State” and “World’s Best Hospitals” lists. As one of the region’s most accredited hospitals, the medical center holds certifications as a primary stroke center, chest pain center and ambulatory health care provider. Its extensive services include a rehabilitation center, a sleep center, and the 92-bed Southwestern Behavioral Health Center serving both pediatric and adult patients. The hospital recently opened an outpatient IV infusion suite, completed $2.2 million in facility improvements, added 74 providers, and became the first and only civilian hospital in the nation designated as a Military Order of the Purple Heart hospital. With over $14 million in uncompensated care provided in 2023 alone, the hospital continues its century-long mission of delivering exceptional, compassionate care to its diverse community, including a large military population.

Spencer (Iowa) Hospital. Spencer Hospital is a full-service healthcare provider serving northwest Iowa and southern Minnesota, offering advanced services including a comprehensive cancer treatment center, inpatient behavioral health, multi-specialty surgical care and dialysis centers. With a strong network of local physician groups and four primary care clinics, Spencer Hospital fosters collaborative, high-quality care tailored to regional needs. As a major employer, the hospital significantly contributes to the local economy while staying true to its core values of service, people, quality and stewardship. Known for innovation and excellence, Spencer Hospital enhances the patient experience through evidence-based practices, cutting-edge technology and ongoing staff education. Nationally recognized for outstanding performance, the community hospital was named one of the top 100 rural and community hospitals by the Chartis Center for Rural Health for 10 consecutive years and is currently ranked among the top 20 rural and community hospitals by the National Rural Health Association. 

St. Anne Hospital (Burien, Wash.). St. Anne Hospital has served as a cornerstone of its community since 1958, providing compassionate care across generations. The hospital offers a full spectrum of services, ranging from a level 1 cardiac center and level 4 trauma services to advanced oncology, stroke care and a family birth center with a level 2 nursery. All told, the community hospital handles nearly 29,000 inpatient days and 39,000 emergency visits annually. Recently, the hospital introduced virtual gemba rounds and written provider summaries to enhance patient communication and transparency, helping it achieve a 93rd percentile patient experience score. The hospital also expanded specialty offerings with new clinics in urology, nephrology and gastrointestinal care, and invested in facility upgrades like renovated operating rooms and a new telemetry unit. In addition to clinical initiatives, St. Anne launched a human trafficking response program in 2024 to better support vulnerable patients through education and multidisciplinary collaboration. National recognitions include a Leapfrog “A” grade and stroke “gold plus” status from the American Heart Association.

St. Anthony Hospital (Gig Harbor, Wash.). St. Anthony Hospital combines local care with the resources of Tacoma, Wash.-based Virginia Mason Franciscan Health. Each year, more than 900 team members provide care over 35,000 inpatient days and 39,000 emergency visits, offering specialties such as cancer care, orthopedic surgery, women’s health and diagnostic imaging. Recent innovations include a scholarship-to-employment pipeline for certified nursing assistants, expanded cancer services through the Jane Thompson Russell Cancer Care Center, and a 30% increase in emergency department volume to meet community growth. St. Anthony also embraces continuous improvement through the Virginia Mason Production System, leading to awards for patient safety, stroke care and joint replacement. The hospital also gives back to its community through initiatives like the clothing donation program “St. Anthony’s Closet”, partnerships with school districts for violence preparedness, and local wellness and community-building events. Committed to quality, safety and staff engagement, the hospital earned a 5-star rating from CMS and holds “Pathway to Excellence” designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

St. Clare Hospital (Lakewood, Wash.). St. Clare Hospital is a 106-bed community hospital recognized for clinical excellence and patient-centered innovation. It earned a 5-star rating from CMS, placing it among the top 6.4% of hospitals nationwide for patient safety and experience. The hospital was named No. 1 in Washington for critical care by Healthgrades and ranks in the top 10% nationally in the same category. In recent years, it has significantly improved patient experience scores through expanded leadership rounding, empathetic communication training and real-time performance discussions in care areas. St. Clare has also expanded services to better meet community needs, including seven-day MRI availability and enhanced gastrointestinal care. Additional honors include an “A” grade from The Leapfrog Group, an award for critical care excellence from Healthgrades, and multiple 5-star ratings for specialty care like colorectal surgery and outpatient hip replacements.

St. Joseph Regional Medical Center (Lewiston, Idaho). St. Joseph Regional Medical Center is a 145-bed, full-service regional medical center and the largest hospital between Boise, Idaho and Spokane, Wash., serving the rural area with advanced specialty care. In 2024, the medical was named a U.S. News & World Report “Best Hospital for Maternity Care” and a “Maternity Care Access Hospital,” a designation awarded to just 73 hospitals nationwide that serve maternity care deserts. The hospital earned an “A” grade for patient safety from The Leapfrog Group in both fall 2024 and spring 2025, and received the American College of Cardiology’s 2024 “Platinum Chest Pain – MI Registry” award. The medical center is also nationally accredited for its cancer program and joint, spine and maternity care, and is a Blue Distinction Center+ in multiple specialties. In 2023, the medical center opened a 10-bed acute rehabilitation unit and received the “Hospital Unit of the Year” award from LifeNet Health for excellence in tissue donation practices. Backed by more than $3.7 million in capital investments and over $14 million in charitable care last year, St. Joseph continues to fulfill its 122-year mission of improving access, advancing technology and delivering outstanding community-based healthcare.

St. Peter’s Health (Helena, Mont.). St. Peter’s Health, a 100-bed independent health system in rural Montana, stands out for its holistic, data-driven approach to healthcare. Guided by findings from its community health needs assessment, the hospital has implemented targeted programs in behavioral health, chronic disease management and housing insecurity. Through initiatives such as its mobile crisis response team, community paramedicine program and a supportive housing initiative, St. Peter’s delivers care in homes and community settings to reduce emergency visits and improve long-term outcomes. The hospital was the first in the state to introduce transcranial magnetic stimulation for depression, and now offers Montana’s only hospital-based home dialysis program. The health system is also investing in maternal and child health with expanded perinatal mental health services and a new breast milk donation site. St. Peter’s Health was the winner of the Montana Hospital Association’s “Innovation in Healthcare” award for 2024.

Sturdy Memorial Hospital (Attleboro, Mass.). Sturdy Memorial Hospital is a 128-bed community hospital in Southeastern Massachusetts. Under the leadership of its president and CEO, the hospital has launched two major capital projects, a $60 million cancer and specialty care building and a $112 million emergency department expansion. In 2025, Sturdy Health announced a transformative partnership with Boston-based Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, bringing world-class ambulatory cancer care, clinical trials and resources to the local region. The hospital has also introduced Mako robotic-arm assisted surgery to enhance orthopedic outcomes, and expanded its obstetric services during a time when many hospitals are scaling back on maternal health initiatives. The hospital’s quality and safety excellence is reflected in accolades such as an “A” from The Leapfrog Group, a Baby-Friendly designation, and multiple Healthgrades awards for stroke, pulmonary and critical care.

USC Arcadia Hospital (San Gabriel Valley, Calif.). USC Arcadia Hospital delivers advanced care with a strong community focus, supported by the academic strength of Los Angele-based Keck Medicine of USC. The hospital treats over 40,000 emergency department patients annually and houses cutting-edge technologies, including 320-slice CT and high-definition MRI scanners, as well as catheterization and neuro-interventional labs. Its bariatrics program is certified as a center of excellence by multiple payers, reflecting clinical depth and programmatic quality. Recently, the hospital became the system’s hub for inpatient rehabilitation, offering services ranked in the top 3% nationwide. The community hospital is a designated comprehensive stroke and STEMI receiving center, and was named a “high performing” hospital for stroke and maternity care by U.S. News & World Report for 2024-25.

USC Verdugo Hills Hospital (Glendale, Calif.). USC Verdugo Hills Hospital delivers advanced care to the Foothill communities as part of Los Angeles-based Keck Medicine of USC. The hospital offers a wide scope of services, including a 24-hour emergency department, a primary stroke center, robotic and bariatric surgery, and a comprehensive rehabilitation program. The hospital also earned accreditation for its nurse residency program and emergency department accreditation program redesignation. The community hospital is expanding its reputation for innovation, hosting the global L.A. Live – Advanced Robotic & Open Surgery Symposium, which features live procedures and advanced surgical techniques. In 2024, it received the “gold beacon” award for ICU excellence and was awarded an “A” grade for safety by The Leapfrog Group.

UVA Health Prince William Medical Center (Manassas, Va.). UVA Health Prince William Medical Center, a 130-bed facility serving its community for over six decades, has significantly expanded its specialty care services, adding more than 50 providers in areas including urology, oncology and various surgical specialties since joining UVA Health in 2021. It holds a Magnet designation for nursing excellence, has maintained 13 consecutive “A” safety grades from The Leapfrog Group, and was named a “high performing” hospital by U.S. News & World Report in both maternity care and heart attack treatment for 2024-25. Recent infrastructure upgrades include renovated cardiac catheterization and interventional radiology labs, as well as a telemedicine NICU partnership that links local care with UVA Health Children’s in Charlottesville, Va. The medical center has also received multiple American Heart Association “Get With The Guidelines” awards and continues to foster community wellbeing through health needs assessments and aging-in-place workshops. Additionally, it boasts seamless care integration via Epic EHR and contributes to UVA Health’s broader reputation as one of Forbes’ top employers for women, diversity and large organizations in 2024.

UVA Health University Medical Center (Charlottesville, Va.). UVA Health University Medical Center, a 696-bed academic hospital, stands as Virginia’s only level 1 trauma center, the state’s first National Cancer Institutes-designated cancer center, and its only comprehensive transplant center for both adults and children. The hospital consistently earns top national and state-level recognition, including the No. 1 spot in Virginia on Newsweek‘s 2025 “World’s Best Hospitals” list and multiple specialty recognitions in orthopedics, neurology, cardiology and oncology. The hospital is also designated as a top teaching hospital by The Leapfrog Group. Clinically, the hospital is rated “high performing” in four adult specialties and 12 procedures and conditions by U.S. News & World Report for 2024-25. Recent initiatives include the groundbreaking of the 350,000-square-foot Paul & Diane Manning Institute of Biotechnology, a new outpatient infusion clinic with 40 bays, a mobile primary care unit, and the expansion of pharmacy automation operations capable of processing 4,000 prescriptions per shift.

Val Verde Regional Medical Center (Del Rio, Texas). The 93-bed Val Verde Regional Medical Center serves as a vital rural healthcare hub for a diverse population, including military families, government workers and multi-generational residents in a medically isolated region. As the area’s primary care provider, located more than 2.5 hours from the nearest tertiary care facility, the medical center has prioritized technology and workflow efficiency to deliver high-quality care. Innovations include smartphone-based clinical documentation, which allows bedside nurses to quickly record vitals and administer medications, significantly improving care speed and reducing patient disruptions. The hospital also implemented a rare internet service provider failover strategy by securing a satellite-based backup connection, ensuring uninterrupted access to EHR systems during power outages or natural disasters. The medical center and its rural health clinic have earned statewide accolades, including Texas Organization of Rural & Community Hospitals’ 2023 “Rural Health Award” and the “Tessen Award” from the Texas Association of Rural Health Clinics.

The Valley Hospital (Paramus, N.J.). Valley Hospital, a 370-bed community hospital, represents a next-generation smart hospital designed around cutting-edge technology and patient-centered care. Opened in April 2024, the new campus offers patients greater autonomy and comfort through fully private rooms equipped with 75-inch monitors, real-time staff identification and digital controls for lighting, temperature and entertainment. Advanced safety systems, including AI-powered fall detection and real-time location systems tracking, improve clinical responsiveness and reduce risks. Operational efficiencies are achieved through innovations like hallway-accessed nurse servers and family-friendly room designs that support loved ones’ involvement in recovery. The hospital has received widespread recognition, including Healthgrades’ “America’s 100 Best Hospitals Award” from 2023–2025, College of Healthcare Information Management Executives Digital Health “Most Wired” status for 22 consecutive years, and top rankings from U.S. News & World Report and Newsweek.

Valleywise Health Medical Center (Phoenix). Valleywise Health Medical Center is a 240-bed public teaching hospital that, in June 2024, successfully opened a new $935 million, 10-story acute care facility. The transition included relocating over 200 patients in just over 12 hours while maintaining full operations, an achievement made possible through yearlong planning, mock drills and seamless staff coordination. The new hospital houses an expanded 34,550-square-foot emergency department and the state-of-the-art Diane & Bruce Halle Arizona Burn Center, now Arizona’s only verified adult and pediatric burn center. The hospital has also integrated trauma-informed burn care, added new NICU and surgical spaces, and designed the hospital to enhance the patient-family experience. In the past year, the medical center received its first-ever Leapfrog “A” safety grade for high-quality care.

Warren (Pa.) General Hospital.  85-bed Warren General Hospital is a nonprofit facility that has made an operational and financial turnaround since 2015. At that time, the hospital faced zero days cash on hand, a projected $7 million loss and significant cultural challenges. Under new leadership, the organization implemented the “D.R.I.V.E.S.” framework to define reality, instill vision, and execute strategy, leading to a swift transformation. From fiscal year 2019-22, Warren General posted consistent positive operating margins of up to +12% and eliminated its long-term debt. The hospital also expanded services, recruited 18 new physicians, launched new outpatient sites and secured a $31 million minority partnership to fund critical capital improvements, all while maintaining local independence. Warren General Hospital was recognized with two Truven “Top 100” awards and the 2023 Hospital and Health System Association of Pennsylvania “Excellence in Operations” award.

Washington County Regional Medical Center (Sandersville, Ga.). Washington County Regional Medical Center is a 56-bed hospital that transformed from a struggling rural facility into a model of financial recovery and clinical innovation. Within two years, the hospital reversed multimillion-dollar losses, achieved a positive operating margin, and secured over $2 million in grant funding for expanded services including nuclear medicine, a next-generation MRI and a new CT scanner. In 2024, the hospital broke ground on a new emergency department  to modernize care delivery and patient experience, backed by a $15.5 million bond. Under the leadership of its CEO, the medical center has also boosted staff morale through wage increases and reduced reliance on costly contract labor. Expanded specialty services like orthopedics and cardiology and a renewed community-first mission have solidified the hospital’s reputation as a regional healthcare hub.

Watertown (Wis.) Regional Medical Center. Watertown Regional Medical Center is a 95-bed hospital that has earned widespread recognition for clinical quality, patient safety and experience, including dual 2024 Healthgrades awards for patient safety excellence and outstanding patient experience. The hospital has also been named a 2024 and 2023 “Top 100 Rural & Community Hospital” by The Chartis Center for Rural Health and a U.S. News & World Report “high performing” hospital for maternity care. The medical center consistently earns “A” grades from The Leapfrog Group, including its eighth in the past 11 cycles, and was honored with Louisville, Ky.-based ScionHealth’s highest “Platinum Quality” award in 2025. It has invested in specialty services such as its senior behavioral health center, eICU technology, orthopedic and rehabilitation services, and a state-of-the-art cardiac catheterization lab. The hospital added the VELYS robotic-assisted solution to enhance joint replacement outcomes, and recently expanded its sleep center and orthopedic offerings. The medical center has also given over $10 million in annual charitable care and a $500,000 grant to a local health clinic.

West Jefferson Medical Center (Marrero, La.). West Jefferson Medical Center is a full-service hospital that has been delivering care to New Orleans’ West Bank since 1956. Now part of the New Orleans-based LCMC Health system, the hospital offers more than 50 specialties supported by over 1,700 staff and 450 physicians, earning a strong reputation for safety, innovation and community commitment. In 2024, the hospital became one of the first in the region to implement SoftVue breast ultrasound tomography for improved cancer detection in women with dense breast tissue. An $86 million modernization has enhanced the emergency department, outpatient surgery center and main entrance for improved patient experience and outcomes. The hospital has received repeated Healthgrades awards for excellence in patient safety, holds advanced certification as a comprehensive stroke center, and has earned additional honors from the American Heart Association and the Women’s Choice Award. 

Wooster (Ohio) Community Hospital Health System. Wooster Community Hospital Health System is a 173-bed independent nonprofit hospital known for its commitment to accessible, high-quality care and community reinvestment. Despite receiving no tax support, the hospital has delivered $75 million in uncompensated care over the past decade and reinvested $72 million directly into patient services. It has been named to Newsweek’s “World’s Best Hospitals” for 2024, U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Nursing Homes” for 2025, and Fortune/PINC AI’s “Top 100 Hospitals” for three consecutive years. The hospital is advancing digital innovation with its “Freeing Up Nurses Time” initiative, saving an estimated 1,600 hours annually through nurse-driven EHR optimization. Recent projects include a $34 million Patient Access and Emergency Center, a new mothers’ milk bank dispensary, and a partnership with Hospital Regional de Occidente in Honduras to share best practices.