Providence St. Joseph Medical Center in Polson has been selected as a top 10 Critical Access Hospital in the 2026–27 Lown Institute Index for Social Responsibility.
The Index is the only national, independent evaluation of hospital performance evaluating over 50 metrics across health outcomes, equity, and community impact.
“These results reflect our caregivers clear commitment to delivering high-quality care, advancing health equity, and strengthening the communities we serve,” said Caryl Perdaems, Chief Administrative Officer for Providence St. Joseph Medical Center. “This recognition affirms our dedication to ensuring access to compassionate, culturally inclusive, and socially responsible care for all.”
Providence St. Joseph Medical Center's highlights in the Index include:
· Honor Roll (CAH) for the third year. Only 37 hospitals achieved this status out of 900 critical access hospitals evaluated. The hospital earned "A" grades across the top 4 categories: Social Responsibility, Health Equity, Value of Care, and Patient Outcomes.
· Top 10 in the Nation for Social Responsibility (CAH)
· #1 in Montana for Social Responsibility (CAH)
· #1 in Montana for Cost Efficiency (CAH)
· Grade 'A's in numerous metrics
While most rankings focus on clinical outcomes, the Lown Index considers the full breadth of what hospitals do as care providers, employers, and community partners. By setting these benchmarks, The Lown Index identifies those hospitals that provide exceptional, high-value patient care to all who need it in their community.
