Mitchell County Regional Health Center has been recognized as a 2026 Top 100 Critical Access Hospital by The Chartis Center for Rural Health. This is the fifth time MCRHC has earned this national distinction.
“We are honored to be recognized once again among the Top 100 Critical Access Hospitals in the nation,” said Shelly Russell, CEO of Mitchell County Regional Health Center. “Earning this distinction for the fifth time reflects the unwavering dedication of our incredible team. Every day, our staff demonstrates what it means to deliver exceptional, compassionate care in a rural community. Their commitment and the trust our community places in us make achievements like this possible,” she said.
Leaders in rural health say this recognition reflects the ongoing challenges and innovation required to deliver care in small communities.
“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,” said Michael Topchik, executive director of The Chartis Center for Rural Health. “We are delighted to recognize this year’s winners and celebrate their Top 100 status.”
The INDEX is considered the industry’s most comprehensive and objective assessment of rural hospital performance. Leveraging publicly available data, the INDEX is used nationwide by 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 that affect hospital operations, quality, patient perspective and finance.
MCRHC previously received Top 100 recognition in 2018, 2019, 2023 and 2024.
