MONROE — SSM Health Monroe Hospital announced it has been recognized for the sixth time as a 2026 Top 100 Rural & Community Hospital by The Chartis Center for Rural Health. The Top 100 awards program celebrates outstanding performance annually among the nation’s rural hospitals based on the results of the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX.

“We are incredibly proud to be recognized once again as a Top 100 Rural & Community Hospital,” said Chelsea Hardacre, Interim President of SSM Health Monroe Hospital. “This achievement reflects the unwavering commitment of our caregivers to ensure our neighbors have access to high quality, compassionate care close to home. Investing in the health of our local community is at the heart of our Mission, and this honor reinforces the impact of that work.”

Now in its 16th year, the INDEX is the industry’s most comprehensive and objective assessment of rural hospital performance. Leveraging publicly available data, the INDEX is utilized 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 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. This year’s Top 100 Rural & Community 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’re delighted to recognize this year’s winners and celebrate their Top 100 status.”