NEW ULM, Minn. and RIVER FALLS, Wisc. (Aug. 11, 2026) — Two Allina Health hospitals – New Ulm Medical Center and River Falls Area Hospital – have been named among the Top 100 Critical Access Hospitals for 2026 by Chartis Center for Rural Health (Chartis). New Ulm Medical Center is one of only seven hospitals out of 1,383 critical access hospitals nationwide, to receive this honor 13 or more times. In its twelfth year being recognized by Chartis, River Falls Area Hospital also received recognition from the National Rural Health Association as a Top 20 Critical Access Hospital in America.
Chartis’ 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®. The National Rural Health Association recognition is based on the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX™.
"This consistency of excellence is attributed to our compassionate care team members who provide high-quality care to the community," said Carisa Buegler, New Ulm Medical Center president. "Our commitment to continuous improvement in quality, our vision for growth – in depth and breadth of services to keep care close to home, and our sound financial plan all help ensure we are here for generations to come."
"We are so honored to be recognized by both organizations as it's a direct reflection of the focus we place on our patients and critical role every care team member plays in ensuring we continue to deliver exceptional care to our community," said Jill Ostrem, River Falls Area Hospital president.
The recognition comes against a difficult national backdrop for rural healthcare. Chartis reports since 2010, more than 140 rural hospitals have closed, staffing shortages that accelerated during COVID-19 have not fully resolved and rising operational costs continue to strain small facilities.
"The delivery of care within rural communities is more complex today than at any point in recent memory. This year’s Top 100 Critical Access Hospitals and 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."
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 and finance.
Allina Health is a nonprofit health care system serving Minnesota and western Wisconsin, dedicated to preventing and treating illness and improving the health of individuals, families and communities. Through a network of more than 90 clinics, 12 hospital campuses, 13 retail pharmacies, specialty care centers, home care and emergency medical transportation, Allina Health provides high-quality care from birth through end-of-life.
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