Loring Hospital has been named as a 2026 Top 100 Critical Access Hospital by The Chartis Center for Rural Health. The designation is considered one of the most significant indicators of performance excellence in the rural healthcare industry.
“This recognition is a direct reflection of the dedication, professionalism, and heart that each of our Loring team members bring to our patients and to one another every single day,” said Matt Johnson, CEO of Loring Hospital. “It speaks to our commitment to quality, safety, service, and the strong organization we continue to build together.”
This annual award honoring rural hospital performance throughout the nation is determined by the results of the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX, which, over the course of the last 16 years, has established itself as the industry’s most comprehensive and objective assessment of rural hospital performance.
Based entirely on public data, the INDEX framework is widely used across the nation by independent rural hospitals, health systems with rural affiliates, hospital associations, and state offices of rural health to measure and monitor performance across a variety of areas impacting hospital operations, quality, patient perspective and finance.
“The delivery of care within rural communities is perhaps more complex today than at any point in recent memory,” said Michael Topchik, executive director of The Chartis Center for Rural Health. “This year’s Top 100 Critical Access Hospitals have emerged as true leaders – committed to their mission through a powerful combination of resilience, dedication and innovation. We’re delighted to recognize this year’s winners and celebrate their Top 100 status.”
There are over 1,300 critical access hospitals in the nation, and Loring Hospital was one of only 12 critical access hospitals in Iowa to receive the designation.
“Awards like this are meaningful because they validate what we already know — extraordinary care is delivered at Loring Hospital,” added Johnson. “Not by accident, but by intention. Through teamwork. Through accountability. Through compassion. Through consistency.”