Third Consecutive Year Recognized; Only Florida Hospital Named for Second Year in a Row
Calhoun Liberty Hospital (CLH) has been recognized as a 2026 Top 100 Critical Access Hospital by The Chartis Center for Rural Health. This marks the third consecutive year CLH has earned the national distinction and the second consecutive year it is the only hospital in Florida named to the list.
The Top 100 award program recognizes outstanding performance among the nation’s rural hospitals based on results from the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX®. Now in its 16th year, the INDEX evaluates publicly available data across quality, operations, patient experience and financial strength.
“It’s encouraging to see our performance recognized nationally,” said Mark Plummer, Chairman of the Calhoun Liberty Hospital Association Board of Directors. “Our board, leadership team and colleagues share a clear vision to be a regional leader in rural health, and this recognition is a strong indicator that we’re moving in the right direction.”
In 2025, CLH experienced continued growth in patient volumes, including approximately a 9 percent increase in Emergency Department visits and a 24 percent increase in acute inpatient admissions. The sustained growth reflects expanded access, improved efficiency and growing community confidence in local care.
“This recognition reflects the consistency and professionalism of our team,” said Emily Brown, CEO of Calhoun Liberty Hospital. “As demand for services continues to grow, we remain focused on delivering high-quality, patient-centered care while strengthening our role as a regional healthcare leader.”
“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.”
With its new 50,000-square-foot facility fully operational, Calhoun Liberty Hospital continues to expand services, strengthen partnerships and invest in its workforce to support long-term sustainability and regional growth.