Phelps Memorial Health Center has been recognized as a 2026 Top 100 Critical Access Hospital by The Chartis Center for Rural Health, a national honor highlighting outstanding performance among rural hospitals across the United States.
This prestigious recognition is based on the results of the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX®, the industry’s most comprehensive and objective assessment of rural hospital performance.
What the Top 100 Critical Access Hospital Award Means
The Chartis Top 100 Critical Access Hospital award program, now in its 16th year, evaluates rural hospitals using publicly available data to measure performance in key areas such as:
Clinical quality and patient outcomes
Patient satisfaction and experience
Operational excellence
Financial stability and sustainability
The INDEX is widely used by rural hospitals, healthcare systems, hospital associations, and state offices of rural health to benchmark and improve performance.
Being named a Top 100 Critical Access Hospital for 2026 places Phelps Memorial Health Center among the highest-performing rural healthcare organizations in the nation.
A Commitment to High-Quality Rural Healthcare
Rural healthcare plays a critical role in ensuring communities have access to essential medical services close to home. Delivering care in rural settings requires resilience, innovation, and a deep commitment to patients.
“Earning recognition on the Chartis Center for Rural Health Top 100 Critical Access Hospital list for 2026 is a tremendous honor for Phelps Memorial Health Center,” said Mark Harrel, Chief Executive Officer. “This distinction reflects our team’s unwavering commitment to high quality compassionate care and a collaborative spirit that strengthens our organization and serves our community well. I am deeply proud of Team Phelps and the exceptional care they provide.”
Recognized Leadership in Rural Hospital Performance
According to Michael Topchik, Executive Director of The Chartis Center for Rural Health, rural hospitals face increasing complexity in today’s healthcare environment.
“The delivery of care within rural communities is perhaps more complex today than at any point in recent memory. 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.”
This recognition underscores PMHC’s leadership in rural hospital performance and its continued focus on quality, innovation, and patient-centered care.
Supporting Our Community with Award-Winning Care
For patients and families served by Phelps Memorial Health Center, this national recognition reinforces the hospital’s dedication to:
Providing high-quality medical care locally
Strengthening rural healthcare access
Maintaining strong operational and financial performance
Enhancing the overall patient experience
As a Critical Access Hospital, PMHC remains committed to improving healthcare outcomes and ensuring that residents have access to trusted, compassionate care close to home.
