(KLZA)-- Community Medical Center, Falls City, was recognized as one of the top 20 critical access hospitals in the nation by the Chartis Center for Rural Health in rankings recently announced by the National Rural Health Association. CMC had previously been announced as one of the top one hundred critical access hospitals for the fifth consecutive year, while this represents the third time during that span being honored in the top 20.

There are 1,350 critical access hospitals in the nation, all serving rural communities. The Chartis Center for Rural Health calculates a composite score after evaluating data for each of the nation’s rural hospitals in eight areas: inpatient market share, outpatient market share, quality, outcomes, patient perspective, cost, charges, and financial efficiency. Top 20 honorees were in the top 1.5% nationally.

Alyssa Finck, D.O., chair of the CMC medical staff, described the recognition by stating, “This award reaffirms that the exceptional patient care we provide here at CMC to our community each and every day is making a difference to the people we serve. The pride and dedication our staff has towards our patients makes me proud to be part of this organization.”

Similar sentiments were expressed by CMC governing board chairperson, Nicole Mason, Esq., “It is a great accomplishment for CMC to receive the designation of Top 20 Critical Access Hospitals in the U.S. for the third time. We are grateful to all the hospital staff, physicians, and administration who show up every day to give their best to our patients, even through a world-wide pandemic; this award is a direct testament to their efforts and dedication. The CMC Board congratulates every member of the CMC team on persistently earning this top achievement and thanks each CMC staff member for their unwavering commitment to caring for the health and well-being of our community.”

CMC administrator, Ryan Larsen echoed this theme by expressing pride in the work of staff to make the facility one that community members can count on. He indicated that while honors are appreciated, improvement is always the goal. An awards ceremony will be held during the National Rural Health Association’s annual Critical Access Hospital Conference in September in Kansas City, Mo