Community HealthCare System Recognized by Becker's Healthcare as a Critical

Community HealthCare System is proud to announce it has been recognized by Becker's Healthcare as one of the nation's Critical Access Hospitals to Know, a prestigious distinction celebrating rural hospitals that are making a significant impact on the health of their communities.

The recognition honors critical access hospitals that are expanding access to healthcare, bringing specialty services closer to home, and improving health outcomes for the patients they serve. Becker's Healthcare developed the list through editorial research and nominations, with guidance from respected rural healthcare organizations including the National Rural Health Association and the Chartis Center for Rural Health. Hospitals cannot pay to be included on the list, making this a true recognition of excellence.

Community HealthCare System was selected for its commitment to delivering comprehensive, high-quality healthcare across northeast Kansas. Today, CHCS serves patients through its critical access hospital in Onaga, seven family practice clinics, outpatient specialty clinics, two long-term care facilities, an assisted living facility, and a home health agency.

"This recognition is a reflection of the dedication, compassion, and commitment of our more than 500 associates," said John Fitzthum, Chief Executive Officer of Community HealthCare System. "Every day, our team works to ensure the people in our communities have access to exceptional healthcare close to home. We are honored to be recognized among the nation's outstanding critical access hospitals."

Becker's Healthcare highlighted several of Community HealthCare System's accomplishments, including:

Providing 24/7 obstetrical services, including cesarean section coverage—an increasingly rare service among rural Kansas hospitals.
Earning the Kansas Department of Health and Environment's Gold Medal Award for Newborn Screening.
Receiving Gold Level recognition through the Kansas Perinatal Quality Collaborative's Fourth Trimester Initiative.
Achieving multiple American Heart Association Get With The Guidelines® awards for excellence in rural heart failure, coronary artery disease, heart attack, and stroke care.
Maintaining SHARP certification for more than two decades, recognizing excellence in workplace safety and employee well-being.
Expanding orthopedic surgery services, allowing more patients to receive specialized surgical care without traveling long distances.
Providing behavioral health services and Mental Health First Aid training that continues to strengthen the well-being of communities throughout the region.

As a nonprofit health system rooted in rural Kansas, Community HealthCare System continues to invest in innovative technology, specialty care, workforce development, and expanded access to services so patients can receive the care they need close to home.

This national recognition reflects the organization's mission to enrich the health and lives of the people we serve and reinforces Community HealthCare System's commitment to providing exceptional healthcare for generations to come.

We are grateful to our associates, providers, volunteers, board members, and the communities who place their trust in us every day. Together, we are proving that outstanding healthcare thrives in rural America.