Since 2011, the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH) has set aside the third Thursday of November to celebrate the “Power of Rural” on National Rural Health Day. National Rural Health Day is an opportunity to bring attention to and honor the incredible efforts of rural healthcare providers, communities, organizations, State Offices of Rural Health (SORH), and other stakeholders dedicated to addressing the unique healthcare needs of rural America.
Roughly 1,300 Critical Access Hospitals (CAH) and 900 other rural hospitals support the acute care landscape of rural communities. Rural Health Clinics are key a component of rural health safety net, with 86% offering free or reduced cost care, and 97% accepting new medicaid or state CHIP patients.
As part of National Rural Health Day, Wickenburg Community Hospital and Clinics (WCH) announces the organization has been recognized with a 2023 Performance Leadership Award for excellence in Quality. Compiled by the Chartis Center for Rural Health, the Performance Leadership Awards honor top quartile performance (i.e., 75th percentile or above) among rural hospitals in Quality, Outcomes and/ or Patient Perspective.
The Performance Leadership Awards are based on the results of the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX®, the industry’s most comprehensive and objective assessment of rural hospital performance. INDEX data is relied upon by rural hospitals, health systems with rural footprints, hospital associations and state offices of rural health around the country to measure and monitor performance across several areas impacting hospital operations and finance.
“Wherever we go in rural America, we witness first-hand the commitment, determination, and compassion with which rural hospitals serve their communities. Rural healthcare truly is mission-driven,” said Michael Topchik, National Leader, The Chartis Center for Rural Health. “This National Rural Health Day, let us recognize the efforts of this year’s Performance Leadership Award winners and all those driven to deliver high-quality care throughout rural communities.”
Learn more about how to support your rural health centers at powerofrural.org.