The Van Diest Medical Center today announced it has been recognized as a 2026 Top 100 Critical Access Hospital by The Chartis Center for Rural Health.

Chartis’ annual Top 100 award program recognizes outstanding performance among the nation’s rural hospitals based on the results of the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX®.

“The Top 100 Award is a tremendous honor, and we are extremely proud to be recognized for the fourth consecutive year as one of the rural hospitals from across the country that demonstrates a commitment to excellence and innovation,” said Lisa Ridge, chief executive officer of Van Diest Medical Center. “We applaud our entire team of caregivers for their hard work and dedication in achieving this recognition.”

“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’re delighted to recognize this year’s winners and celebrate their Top 100 status.”

VDMC is one of only 12 hospitals in the state of Iowa to achieve this designation. Nationwide, there are about 1,380 critical access hospitals.

Now in its 16th year, the INDEX is the industry’s most comprehensive and objective assessment of rural hospital performance. Featuring a methodology utilizing publicly available data, the INDEX is leveraged 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 and finance.