Essentia Health-St. Joseph’s Medical Center named one of the best rural hospitals in U.S.

For the fourth time in the last five years and the second year in a row, Essentia Health-St. Joseph's Medical Center has been recognized as a Top 100 Rural and Community Hospital by the Chartis Center for Rural Health. The designation places St. Joseph’s Medical Center in the top five percent of rural hospitals nationwide that Chartis evaluates.

The designation from Chartis honors outstanding performance among the nation’s rural hospitals. St. Joseph’s is the only hospital in the Brainerd Lakes Area to make the list, and one of only seven in Minnesota. 

Overall, there are more than 2,000 hospitals nationwide that Chartis considers to be rural.

“This is a tremendous honor for our entire team,” said Sandy Zutz-Wiczek, Essentia’s vice president of operations in the Brainerd Lakes area. “Being recognized as one of Chartis’ Top 100 Rural and Community Hospitals highlights the dedication of our providers, nurses and staff who always put patients first. In rural communities like ours, high-quality, compassionate care close to home is essential. Our team’s commitment to patient-centered excellence keeps expert care right here where our patients need it most.”

This award is another example of Essentia’s commitment to making health care better in the communities we serve. We are passionate about ensuring expert care is always available close to home for our patients, who expect and deserve nothing less.

The annual program is based on the results of the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX, a comprehensive, data-driven and objective assessment of rural hospital performance.