People living in rural communities have an average life expectancy three years shorter than those in urban areas and face a 30% higher risk of dying from stroke, according to an American Heart Association presidential advisory on rural health. That gap has widened over the past two decades, and the hospital is committed to helping change that.

Stroke is the No. 4 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the United States, according to the American Heart Association’s 2026 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics Report. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel supplying the brain is blocked by a clot or ruptures, preventing blood and oxygen from reaching brain tissue. Without prompt treatment, brain cells begin to die. Early detection and rapid treatment are critical to improving survival, reducing disability and supporting recovery.

The American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines — Rural Stroke Gold Quality Achievement Award recognizes hospitals that demonstrate a commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment based on nationally recognized, evidence-based guidelines, helping save lives and reduce disability.

“Patients and health care professionals in Carroll County face unique health care challenges and opportunities,” said Dr. Karen E. Joynt Maddox, chair of the American Heart Association Quality Oversight Committee and co-author of the Association’s rural health advisory. “Baptist Memorial Hospital-Carroll County has advanced the important work of improving care for all Americans, regardless of where they live.”

Get With The Guidelines is the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s hospital-based quality improvement program that provides hospitals with the latest research-based guidelines. Developed with the goal of saving lives and hastening recovery, Get With The Guidelines has touched the lives of more than 18 million patients since 2001. For more information, visit heart.org.

Baptist Memorial Hospital-Carroll County is a 70-bed facility in Huntingdon, Tennessee, that provides comprehensive inpatient and outpatient medical care to West Tennessee in a variety of specialized areas, including cardiac care, pediatrics, general surgery, physical therapy and palliative care, among others. The hospital offers advanced medical technology, such as 3D mammography and the Baptist TeleHealth Center, powered by TeleGuardian. Baptist Carroll County has earned many awards and recognitions, including the Tennessee Quality Award, Premier Inc.’s QUEST Award for High-Valued Healthcare, the QUEST Hero Award, the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval in 2015 and multiple “A” Hospital Safety grades from the Leapfrog Group. The hospital was one of only two in Tennessee named to the Chartis Center for Rural Health 2025 Top 100 Rural & Community Hospitals list. Baptist Carroll County also operates an outpatient surgery department in Jackson, Tennessee, offering convenient access to same-day surgical services with advanced capabilities. To learn more, visit our website and follow us on Facebook.

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People living in rural communities have an average life expectancy three years shorter than those in urban areas and face a 30% higher risk of dying from stroke, according to an American Heart Association presidential advisory on rural health. That gap has widened over the past two decades, and the hospital is committed to helping change that.

Stroke is the No. 4 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the United States, according to the American Heart Association’s 2026 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics Report. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel supplying the brain is blocked by a clot or ruptures, preventing blood and oxygen from reaching brain tissue. Without prompt treatment, brain cells begin to die. Early detection and rapid treatment are critical to improving survival, reducing disability and supporting recovery.

The American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines — Rural Stroke Gold Quality Achievement Award recognizes hospitals that demonstrate a commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment based on nationally recognized, evidence-based guidelines, helping save lives and reduce disability.

“Patients and health care professionals in Paragould face unique health care challenges and opportunities,” said Dr. Karen E. Joynt Maddox, chair of the American Heart Association Quality Oversight Committee and co-author of the Association’s rural health advisory. “Baptist Memorial Hospital-Paragould has advanced the important work of improving care for all Americans, regardless of where they live.”

Get With The Guidelines is the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s hospital-based quality improvement program that provides hospitals with the latest research-basedguidelines. Developed with the goal of saving lives and hastening recovery, Get With The Guidelines has touched the lives of more than 18 million patients since 2001. For more information, visit heart.org.

Baptist Paragould provides progressive, compassionate health care to residents throughout Northeast Arkansas and Southeast Missouri. A 129-bed hospital with eight medical clinics, inpatient rehabilitation services, multiple medical specialties and a 91-bed assisted living facility, the hospital has received multiple recognitions for its cardiovascular and women’s health care. Formerly named Arkansas Methodist Medical Center, Baptist Paragould merged with Baptist Memorial Health Care in March 2026. To learn more, visit our website and follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/baptistmemorialparagould/.

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People living in rural communities have an average life expectancy three years shorter than those in urban areas and face a 30% higher risk of dying from stroke, according to an American Heart Association presidential advisory on rural health. That gap has widened over the past two decades, and the hospital is committed to helping change that.

Stroke is the No. 4 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the United States, according to the American Heart Association’s 2026 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics Report. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel supplying the brain is blocked by a clot or ruptures, preventing blood and oxygen from reaching brain tissue. Without prompt treatment, brain cells begin to die. Early detection and rapid treatment are critical to improving survival, reducing disability and supporting recovery.

The American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines — Rural Stroke Gold Quality Achievement Award recognizes hospitals that demonstrate a commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment based on nationally recognized, evidence-based guidelines, helping save lives and reduce disability.

“Patients and health care professionals in Union County face unique health care challenges and opportunities,” said Dr. Karen E. Joynt Maddox, chair of the American Heart Association Quality Oversight Committee and co-author of the Association’s rural health advisory. “Baptist Memorial Hospital-Union County has advanced the important work of improving care for all Americans, regardless of where they live.”

Get With The Guidelines is the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s hospital-based quality improvement program that provides hospitals with the latest research-based guidelines. Developed with the goal of saving lives and hastening recovery, Get With The Guidelines has touched the lives of more than 18 million patients since 2001. For more information, visit heart.org.

Baptist Union County offers a variety of services, including adult and pediatric inpatient care, cancer care, sleep lab, maternity, orthopedics, surgery, robotic surgery, a 24-hour emergency department and diagnostics. The hospital also has positron emission tomography and computed tomography scans, 3D mammography, TeleHealth services and an eICU. Baptist Union County has an excellent reputation for providing quality care and recently earned multiple “A” Safety Grades from the Leapfrog Group and the Healthgrades 2026 Patient Safety Excellence Award. For more information, visit our website or follow us on Facebook.

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Forbes created the list to help consumers navigate the United States health care system. The list is based on a unique rating system that evaluates general acute care hospitals throughout the United States to offer consumers unbiased information on which hospitals can offer top-notch, high-value medical services, as well as provide a benchmark that hospitals can compare their performance against.           

To produce the Forbes Top Hospitals rating system, Forbes enlisted health care measurement experts, including an advisory panel — comprising clinicians, scientists, health policy researchers and patient advocates — and partnered with Inovalon, a health care data and analytics firm, to calculate the ratings. The foundation of the methodology is validated and vetted data extracted from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Provider Data Catalog. Through this dataset, Forbes identified health care quality measures that assess patient outcomes, hospital best practices, value and patient experience. These measures were chosen specifically because they have been developed and regularly tested by leaders in the health care community to meet rigorous national standards.

Approximately 5,400 general acute care hospitals — which are listed in the CMS PDC and are currently operating in the U.S. — were eligible for consideration. From that initial pool, approximately 2,500 hospitals met the inclusion criteria (detailed in the methodology). The ratings were then calculated, and of these facilities, 253 hospitals received an overall rating of five stars, and 509 hospitals received an overall rating of four stars. These four- and five-star hospitals comprise the first-ever Forbes Top Hospitals list: Forbes Top Hospitals.

Baptist Memorial Health Care is one of the country’s largest not-for-profit health care systems and the largest provider of Medicaid in the region. Consistently ranking among the top integrated health care networks in the country, Baptist Memorial comprises 24 affiliate hospitals in West Tennessee, North and Central Mississippi and East Arkansas; a freestanding emergency department; more than 7,000 affiliated physicians; Baptist Medical Group, a multispecialty physician group with more than 1,500 providers in 50 specialties; Baptist Cancer Center; home, hospice and psychiatric care; walk-in and urgent care clinics; a network of surgery, rehabilitation and other outpatient centers; and an education system that includes Baptist Health Sciences University and a college of osteopathic medicine. Baptist employs more than 23,000 people, and in fiscal year 2024 contributed more than $388 million in community benefit and uncompensated care to the communities it serves. For more information, please visit www.baptistonline.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.com.

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Baptist Calhoun Nursing Home is among the top 5% of health care providers in delivering employee experience in the last year.

The HX Guardian of Excellence Award is part of Press Ganey’s annual ranking of top hospitals and health systems in the country, according to performance in one of three categories: patient experience, consumer experience and employee experience.

"This recognition reflects Baptist Calhoun Nursing Home’s relentless pursuit of excellence,” said Patrick T. Ryan, chairman and CEO of Press Ganey. “Their forward-thinking approach and focus on continuous improvement inspire us all. We’re proud to partner with them as we work toward a more connected, equitable and human healthcare experience.”

Press Ganey works with more than 41,000 health care facilities in its mission to reduce patient suffering and enhance caregiver resilience to improve the overall safety, quality and experience of care.

Founded in 1970, Baptist Calhoun became affiliated with Baptist Memorial Health Care in 2016. The 27,000-square-foot facility has 25 licensed hospital beds and 120 licensed nursing home beds. Baptist Calhoun has a 24/7 emergency department, along with telemedicine, diagnostics services and hospice care. For more information, call 662-628-6611 or visit www.baptistonline.org/locations/calhoun/services.

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Baptist Carroll County is among the top 5% of health care providers for physician experience in acute care in the last year.

The HX Guardian of Excellence Award is part of Press Ganey’s annual ranking of top hospitals and health systems in the country, according to performance in one of three categories: patient experience, consumer experience and employee experience.

"Baptist Carroll County is raising the bar for what great physician experiences look like,” said Patrick T. Ryan, chairman and CEO of Press Ganey. “They’re turning ambition into action, building a culture where every interaction reflects purpose, respect and care. That kind of leadership makes a lasting difference.”

Press Ganey works with more than 41,000 health care facilities in its mission to reduce patient suffering and enhance caregiver resilience to improve the overall safety, quality and experience of care.

Baptist Memorial Hospital-Carroll County is a 70-bed facility in Huntingdon, Tennessee, that provides comprehensive inpatient and outpatient medical care to West Tennessee in a variety of specialized areas, including cardiac care, pediatrics, general surgery, physical therapy and palliative care, among others. The hospital offers advanced medical technology, such as 3D mammography and the Baptist TeleHealth Center, powered by TeleGuardian. Baptist Carroll County has earned many awards and recognitions, including the Tennessee Quality Award, Premier Inc.’s QUEST Award for High-Valued Healthcare, the QUEST Hero Award, the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval in 2015 and multiple “A” Hospital Safety grades from the Leapfrog Group. The hospital was one of only two in Tennessee named to the Chartis Center for Rural Health 2025 Top 100 Rural & Community Hospitals list. Baptist Carroll County also operates an outpatient surgery center in Jackson, Tennessee, offering convenient access to same-day surgical services with advanced capabilities. To learn more, visit baptistonline.org/carrollcounty, or follow us on Facebook at @BaptistCarrollCounty.

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To qualify for the HX Guardian of Excellence Award, Baptist Golden Triangle had to rank in the top 5% of health care providers in delivering patient experience for the past year. The Pinnacle of Excellence Award recognizes the three highest performing facilities for each market segment based on their averaged engagement scores from census surveys conducted in the two most recent calendar years.

These awards are part of Press Ganey’s annual ranking of top hospitals and health systems in the country, according to performance in patient experience, consumer experience, employee experience and clinical quality.

“Every day, Baptist Golden Triangle leads with purpose — showing what it means to deliver exceptional care to patients, support their workforce and strengthen their community,” said Patrick T. Ryan, chairman and CEO of Press Ganey. “It’s a true honor to recognize their extraordinary commitment and impact.”

Press Ganey works with more than 41,000 health care facilities in its mission to reduce patient suffering and enhance caregiver resilience to improve the overall safety, quality and experience of care.

With 323 beds, Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle is one of the largest regional hospitals affiliated with Baptist Memorial Health Care. More than 100 physicians and surgeons, representing almost every medical specialty, practice at the hospital that offers a full range of comprehensive medical care to patients of all ages. In addition to Baptist Cancer Center in Columbus and Starkville, the hospital offers a variety of other services to the community, including Baptist Behavioral Health Care, for those with behavioral and mental health problems; an extensive rehabilitation department; and free community education programs for the public. For more information, please call 662-244-1000 or visit www.baptistonline.org/locations/golden-triangle, or follow us on Facebook @BaptistGoldenTriangle.

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To qualify for the HX Guardian of Excellence Award, Baptist Booneville and Baptist Union County had to rank in the top 5% of health care providers in delivering patient experience for the past year. The Pinnacle of Excellence Award, presented to Baptist Union County, recognizes the three highest performing facilities for each market segment based on their averaged engagement scores from census surveys conducted in the two most recent calendar years.

These awards are part of Press Ganey’s annual ranking of top hospitals and health systems in the country, according to performance in patient experience, consumer experience, employee experience and clinical quality.

“We proudly congratulate Baptist Booneville and Baptist Union County, whose work affirms our shared belief in the power of patient-centered care, engaged teams and strong clinical outcomes,” said Patrick T. Ryan, chairman and CEO of Press Ganey. “We’re excited to continue our partnership as they shape the future of healthcare experiences.”

Press Ganey works with more than 41,000 health care facilities in its mission to reduce patient suffering and enhance caregiver resilience to improve the overall safety, quality and experience of care.

Baptist Booneville offers general surgery, critical care, diagnostic services, outpatient cancer services and other acute care services. The hospital operates one of the few geriatric psychiatric units in the area, as well as an Intensive Outpatient Behavioral Health Unit and Sleep Disorders Lab. It also features a specialty clinic that includes ophthalmology services. For more information, please call 662-720-5000 or visit www.baptistonline.org/locations/booneville. 

Baptist Union County offers a variety of services, including adult and pediatric inpatient care, cancer care, sleep lab, maternity, orthopedics, surgery, robotic surgery, a 24-hour emergency department and diagnostics. The hospital also has positron emission tomography and computed tomography scans, 3D mammography, TeleHealth services and an eICU. Baptist Union County has an excellent reputation for providing quality care and recently earned multiple “A” Safety Grades from the Leapfrog Group, an Outstanding Patient Experience Award from Healthgrades. For more information, visit www.baptistonline.org/locations/union-county, or follow us on Facebook at @BaptistUnionCounty.

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Baptist Cancer Center is among the top 5% of health care providers for employee experience, and Mid-South Imaging Center is among the top 5% delivering patient experience in the U.S. in the last year.

The HX Guardian of Excellence Award is part of Press Ganey’s annual ranking of top hospitals and health systems in the country, according to performance in one of three categories: patient experience, consumer experience and employee experience.

"This recognition reflects Baptist’s relentless pursuit of excellence,” said Patrick T. Ryan, chairman and CEO of Press Ganey. “Their forward-thinking approach and focus on continuous improvement inspire us all. We’re proud to partner with them as we work toward a more connected, equitable and human healthcare experience.”

Press Ganey works with more than 41,000 health care facilities in its mission to reduce patient suffering and enhance caregiver resilience to improve the overall safety, quality and experience of care.

Baptist Memorial Health Care is one of the country’s largest not-for-profit health care systems and the largest provider of Medicaid in the region. Consistently ranking among the top integrated health care networks in the country, Baptist Memorial comprises 24 affiliate hospitals in West Tennessee, North and Central Mississippi and East Arkansas; a freestanding emergency department; more than 7,000 affiliated physicians; Baptist Medical Group, a multispecialty physician group with more than 1,500 providers in 50 specialties; Baptist Cancer Center; home, hospice and psychiatric care; walk-in and urgent care clinics; a network of surgery, rehabilitation and other outpatient centers; and an education system that includes Baptist Health Sciences University and a college of osteopathic medicine. Baptist employs more than 23,000 people, and in fiscal year 2024 contributed more than $388 million in community benefit and uncompensated care to the communities it serves. For more information, please visit www.baptistonline.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.com.

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Oxford Diagnostic Center is among the top 5% of health care providers delivering patient experience in the U.S. in the last year.

The HX Guardian of Excellence Award is part of Press Ganey’s annual ranking of top hospitals and health systems in the country, according to performance in one of three categories: patient experience, consumer experience and employee experience.

"Oxford Diagnostic Center is showing what it truly means to deliver compassionate, person-centered care,” said Patrick T. Ryan, Chairman and CEO of Press Ganey. “Their deep commitment to both patients and caregivers is creating a culture where empathy drives action — and where people feel seen, heard and supported. It’s a privilege to stand beside them on this journey.”

Press Ganey works with more than 41,000 health care facilities in its mission to reduce patient suffering and enhance caregiver resilience to improve the overall safety, quality and experience of care.

Baptist North Mississippi is a 217-bed hospital in Oxford, Mississippi, that offers a variety of services, including cardiovascular surgery, neurosurgery, home care and hospice, and a 24-hour emergency room. In November 2017, the hospital moved into a five-story, 600,000-square-foot-facility that offers expanded services, including a larger emergency department, advanced technology and larger rooms for patients and their families. Since the hospital became affiliated with Baptist Memorial Health Care in 1989, Baptist has invested almost $700 million into the community. For more information, please call 662-636-1000 or visit northmiss.baptistonline.org.

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This achievement demonstrates Baptist Women’s Hospital’s dedication to providing high-quality care and is one of the most competitive honors hospitals and surgery centers in the United States can receive for their commitment to safety and quality. 

“Receiving the Top Teaching Hospital distinction from Leapfrog Group is a true honor for Baptist Women’s Hospital,” said Allison Chase, CEO and administrator of Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women and the Spence and Becky Wilson Baptist Children’s Hospital. “We strive to provide exceptional care to our community, and receiving this recognition demonstrates the high standards of our staff and providers and their commitment to excellence in every aspect of care.” 

More than 2,400 hospitals were considered for the award. A total of 156 Top Hospitals were selected, including 15 Top Children’s Hospitals, 52 Top General Hospitals, 16 Top Rural Hospitals and 73 Top Teaching Hospitals. 

“Baptist Women’s Hospital has distinguished itself through an unwavering focus on safety and quality, earning a place on this year’s list of Top Hospitals,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of the Leapfrog Group. “This recognition reflects a culture of transparency and continuous improvement — one embraced by every member of the organization. We commend the entire team at Baptist Women’s Hospital for reaching this outstanding milestone.” 

The Leapfrog Group rates hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) on how well they protect patients from preventable harm, including accidents, injuries and infections. The Leapfrog Top Hospital Award is given to teaching, general, rural and children's hospitals that publicly report their performance through the Leapfrog Hospital Survey and meet the high standards defined in the Top Hospitals methodology. This includes infection rates, maternity care and a hospital’s ability to prevent medication errors, among other standards.

Founded in 2000 by large employers and other purchasers, The Leapfrog Group is a national nonprofit organization driving a movement for giant leaps for patient safety. Among its initiatives, the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade was launched in 2012 and assigns letter grades to hospitals based on their record of patient safety, helping consumers protect themselves and their families from errors, injuries, accidents and infections.

Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women is the only freestanding women’s hospital in Memphis and the only hospital in the region to qualify to be a member of the prestigious Council of Women's and Infants' Specialty Hospitals. Recognized nationally for its lifesaving maternal and infant programs, Baptist Women's Hospital is a regional referral center for high-risk pregnancies, mammography, minimally invasive surgeries, outpatient diagnostics and urogynecology. For more information, visit https://www.baptistonline.org/locations/womens, or follow us on Facebook at https://facebook.com/baptistwomenshospital.

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The Performance Leadership Awards Program recognizes top quartile performance (e.g., 75^th percentile or above) among rural hospitals in Quality, Outcomes and/or Patient Perspective. These groups serve as a benchmark for other rural facilities and provide a blueprint for successfully navigating health care challenges.

The Performance Leadership Awards Program is based on the results of the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX, a comprehensive and objective framework for assessing how rural hospitals are performing. INDEX benchmarks are relied upon by rural hospitals, health systems with rural footprints, hospital associations and state offices of rural health to measure performance across multiple areas that affect hospital operations and finance.

“The areas of quality, outcomes and patient perspective are cornerstones of health care delivery across rural America, and this year’s Performance Leadership Award recipients are establishing a standard of excellence for their rural peers to follow,” said Michael Topchik, executive director, Chartis Center for Rural Health. “We are delighted to shine a spotlight on such strong performance and honor the achievement of these hospitals.”

Baptist Memorial Hospital-Carroll County is a 70-bed facility in Huntingdon, Tennessee, that provides comprehensive inpatient and outpatient medical care to West Tennessee in a variety of specialized areas, including cardiac care, pediatrics, general surgery, physical therapy and palliative care, among others. The hospital offers advanced medical technology, such as 3D mammography and the Baptist TeleHealth Center, powered by TeleGuardian. Baptist Carroll County has earned many awards and recognitions, including the Tennessee Quality Award, Premier Inc.’s QUEST Award for High-Value Healthcare, the QUEST Hero Award, the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval in 2015 and multiple “A” Hospital Safety grades from the Leapfrog Group. The hospital was one of only two in Tennessee named to the Chartis Center for Rural Health 2025 Top 100 Rural & Community Hospitals list. Baptist Carroll County also operates an outpatient surgery center in Jackson, Tennessee, offering convenient access to same-day surgical services with advanced capabilities. To learn more, visit baptistonline.org/carrollcounty, or follow us on Facebook at @BaptistCarrollCounty.

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Baptist Booneville is among only 18 hospitals and health care organizations recognized for their achievements in delivering exceptional patient care and advancing sustainability practices.

Vizient also recognized Baptist Memorial Hospital-North Mississippi and Baptist Memorial Hospital-Crittenden as Top Performers.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Vizient’s Quality and Accountability Study, underscoring two decades of advancing performance improvement through the Vizient Clinical Data Base. The CDB provides transparent data for more than 1,400 facilities on patient quality of care — such as mortality, length of stay, readmission rates and complications — that enable hospitals to benchmark against peers, identify opportunities for improvement and expedite data collection.

“As healthcare continues to evolve, these organizations are leading the way in demonstrating what is possible when a relentless focus on clinical quality and patient outcomes drives performance,” said Vizient CEO Byron Jobe. “Their achievements highlight how innovation, collaboration and a deep commitment to patients can transform care delivery and strengthen communities. Vizient is honored to recognize these leaders for setting today’s standards of excellence and shaping the future of healthcare.”

The Bernard A. Birnbaum, MD, Quality Leadership Award recognizes participating health care organizations in seven cohorts through the Vizient Quality and Accountability Study, which measures performance on the quality of patient care in six domains: safety, mortality, effectiveness, efficiency, patient centeredness and variation in care. The study factors in measures from the Vizient Clinical Data Base and includes performance data from the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems survey and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC's) National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN).

Vizient Inc., the nation’s largest provider-driven healthcare performance improvement company, provides solutions and services to more than two-thirds of the nation’s acute care providers and more than one-third of ambulatory providers. Vizient offers proprietary data and analytics to deliver unique clinical and operational insights and a contract portfolio representing $156 billion in annual purchasing volume enabling the delivery of cost-effective care. With its acquisition of Kaufman Hall in 2024, Vizient expanded its advisory services to help providers achieve financial, clinical and operational excellence. Headquartered in Irving, Texas, Vizient has offices throughout the United States. Learn more at www.vizientinc.com.

Baptist Booneville offers general surgery, critical care, diagnostic services, outpatient cancer services and other acute care services. The hospital operates one of the few geriatric psychiatric units in the area, as well as an Intensive Outpatient Behavioral Health Unit and Sleep Disorders Lab. It also features a specialty clinic that includes ophthalmology services. For more information, please call 662-720-5000 or visit www.baptistonline.org/locations/booneville. 

Baptist Crittenden is among only 18 hospitals and health care organizations recognized for their achievements in delivering exceptional patient care and advancing sustainability practices.

Vizient also recognized Baptist Memorial Hospital-North Mississippi and Baptist Memorial Hospital-Booneville as Top Performers.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Vizient’s Quality and Accountability Study, underscoring two decades of advancing performance improvement through the Vizient Clinical Data Base. The CDB provides transparent data for more than 1,400 facilities on patient quality of care — such as mortality, length of stay, readmission rates and complications — that enable hospitals to benchmark against peers, identify opportunities for improvement and expedite data collection.

“As healthcare continues to evolve, these organizations are leading the way in demonstrating what is possible when a relentless focus on clinical quality and patient outcomes drives performance,” said Vizient CEO Byron Jobe. “Their achievements highlight how innovation, collaboration and a deep commitment to patients can transform care delivery and strengthen communities. Vizient is honored to recognize these leaders for setting today’s standards of excellence and shaping the future of healthcare.”

The Bernard A. Birnbaum, MD, Quality Leadership Award recognizes participating health care organizations in seven cohorts through the Vizient Quality and Accountability Study, which measures performance on the quality of patient care in six domains: safety, mortality, effectiveness, efficiency, patient centeredness and variation in care. The study factors in measures from the Vizient Clinical Data Base and includes performance data from the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems survey and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC's) National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN).

Vizient Inc., the nation’s largest provider-driven healthcare performance improvement company, provides solutions and services to more than two-thirds of the nation’s acute care providers and more than one-third of ambulatory providers. Vizient offers proprietary data and analytics to deliver unique clinical and operational insights and a contract portfolio representing $156 billion in annual purchasing volume enabling the delivery of cost-effective care. With its acquisition of Kaufman Hall in 2024, Vizient expanded its advisory services to help providers achieve financial, clinical and operational excellence. Headquartered in Irving, Texas, Vizient has offices throughout the United States. Learn more at www.vizientinc.com.

Baptist Memorial Hospital-Crittenden opened in November 2018 and is an 11-bed, 65,000-square-foot acute care facility serving Crittenden County, Arkansas. The hospital offers emergency services, general and orthopedic surgery, quality inpatient and outpatient diagnostic services, echocardiography imaging and an eight-bay cancer center that provides chemotherapy and infusion therapy. For more information, visit baptistonline.org/crittenden, or follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/BaptistCrittenden/. 

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The Comprehensive Quality Model is a value-based performance framework that prioritizes patient safety, adherence to evidence-based guidelines, effective health information management and improved patient outcomes. Baptist Golden Triangle took the top spot in three of the seven award categories — Overall Top CQM, Sepsis Management and Cardiac Care — during Blue Cross & Blue Shield’s third annual Quality Forum.

Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto in Southaven also earned a top performing spot for Plan All-Cause Readmissions.

Thirty-one Mississippi hospitals participated in the CQM program, demonstrating improvements in patient care statewide. According to Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi, trend data indicates hospitals are improving in the management of sepsis care, maternity care and cardiac care.

“The Comprehensive Quality Model is guiding us towards better healthcare for all Mississippians,” said Dr. Lee Greer, chief medical officer at Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi, who commended the hospitals’ collective efforts. “We believe every person in Mississippi deserves safe, high-quality and efficient healthcare. The progress we’ve seen so far is a direct result of the collaborative work being done and shared at events like the forum. We are committed to continuing this culture of learning and improvement in the years to come.”

Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi is transforming the delivery of healthcare and health for Mississippians through partnerships with providers, employers, members and communities across the state. The Company has earned a position as Mississippi’s health and wellness leader by encouraging wellness through personal engagement and access to quality healthcare. To learn more, visit bcbsms.com. Follow us on Facebook for health and wellness tips. 

With 323 beds, Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle is one of the largest regional hospitals affiliated with Baptist Memorial Health Care. More than 100 physicians and surgeons, representing almost every medical specialty, practice at the hospital that offers a full range of comprehensive medical care to patients of all ages. In addition to the Baptist Cancer Center in Columbus and Starkville, the hospital offers a variety of other services to the community, including Baptist Behavioral Health Care, for those with behavioral and mental health problems; an extensive rehabilitation department; and free community education programs for the public. For more information, please call 662-244-1000 or visit www.baptistonline.org/locations/golden-triangle, or follow us on Facebook @BaptistGoldenTriangle.

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Kennan is an advanced practice nurse lead and board-certified family nurse practitioner with Baptist Medical Group-Collierville General Surgery. Colleagues nominated him for his compassionate, high-quality care. His attention to detail, calm demeanor and ability to connect with patients have made him a trusted and respected provider who plays an instrumental role in training medical students in general surgery.

“It is my honor to congratulate Richard Keenan Jr. as Baptist’s Advanced Practice Provider of the Year,” said Justin Rhodes, vice president and CEO of Baptist Medical Group and Connected Care. “Advanced practice providers, such as Richard, are vital to Baptist Memorial Health Care and provide exceptional patient care. I’m proud to celebrate the contributions of advanced practice providers throughout the Baptist network and commend them for their dedication and excellence.”

Baptist presents the APP Award annually during APP Week to advanced practice providers, such as nurse practitioners, certified nurse midwives, clinical nurse specialists, certified registered nurse anesthetists, or physician assistants who demonstrate excellence in promoting positive change in the nursing practice environment. APP Week is celebrated annually the fourth week in September, and Baptist recognizes team members at a one-day event designed to educate, inspire and celebrate local APP providers who ensure patients and communities receive safe, high-quality care.

Baptist Memorial Health Care is one of the country’s largest not-for-profit health care systems and the largest provider of Medicaid in the region. Consistently ranking among the top integrated health care networks in the country, Baptist Memorial comprises 23 affiliate hospitals in West Tennessee, North and Central Mississippi and East Arkansas; a freestanding emergency department; more than 6,000 affiliated physicians; Baptist Medical Group, a multispecialty physician group with more than 1,100 providers; Baptist Cancer Center; home, hospice and psychiatric care; walk-in and urgent care clinics; a network of surgery, rehabilitation and other outpatient centers; and an education system that includes Baptist Health Sciences University and a college of osteopathic medicine. Baptist employs more than 22,000 people, and in fiscal year 2023 contributed more than $465 million in community benefit and uncompensated care to the communities it serves. For more information, visit www.baptistonline.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.com.

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This recognition is offered to doctors of osteopathic medicine who are AOASM members and affirms their experience, dedication, service and contribution to the advancement of sports medicine.

“This award means a great deal to me because my father was also named a fellow of the American Osteopathic Academy of Sports Medicine,” said Biery. “He served as a member and president of the American Osteopathic Academy of Sports Medicine board for years. Unfortunately, he passed in 2022. Although he did not see me receive this honor, it makes me happy to have reached a shared goal and makes me feel closer to him.”

Biery joined BHSU in 2022 as an associate professor and chair of osteopathic principles and practice with the college of osteopathic medicine. He earned a Bachelor of Science of pharmacy degree from the University of Toledo before earning his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine.

He served 20 years in the U.S. Navy as a family and sports medicine physician in academic, administrative and clinical settings. While in the Navy, he was the primary care sports medicine physician for the U.S. Naval Academy football and wrestling teams; Team U.S. physician for the inaugural and second international Invictus Games and multiple Department of Defense Warrior Games for wounded, ill and injured servicemembers; and the U.S. Navy Surgeon Generals Sports Medicine specialty leader. Most recently, he has provided physician coverage for the Memphis Hustle NBA G League team.

Baptist Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine is the first school for doctors of osteopathic medicine in Memphis and West Tennessee and one of 15 majors of study offered by the college of osteopathic medicine. Part of Baptist Memorial Health Care, one of the country’s largest not-for-profit health care systems with 24 hospitals across Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee, Baptist Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine’s DO students have the unique opportunity to study and train at some of the best hospitals and with one of the largest multispecialty physician groups in the Mid-South. Like medical doctors, Baptist Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine students who focus on a holistic, patient-centered medical approach complete four years of medical school, followed by residency and fellowship training. The primary campus for the school includes a 100,000-square-foot building with the latest medical technology in Memphis’ medical district. 

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The award recognizes Baptist’s information technology and security team for significantly reducing the organization’s enterprise vulnerability risk score and effectively protecting critical patient information systems. The award-winning initiative turned passive security monitoring into active threat reduction.

“Baptist Technology Services is honored to be recognized by CSO for our work in protecting Baptist Memorial Health Care patients and families from security threats,” said Tom Barnett, chief information and digital officer for Baptist. “This award is an acknowledgement of the team’s commitment to ensuring safety for our entire network through data-driven security initiatives.”

This is the second time Baptist has received this award. In 2024, Baptist was recognized for developing a secondary disaster recovery system to protect the Baptist data center from environmental risks, such as floods, tornados and ransomware attacks.

“The scope and complexity of cybersecurity responsibilities are expanding rapidly —especially in the face of emerging AI-driven threats,” said Beth Kormanik, content director of the CSO Conference & Awards. “This year’s CSO Award winners exemplify how today’s security leaders are meeting these challenges head on.”

The CSO Awards recognize organizations for security projects and initiatives demonstrating outstanding business value and thought leadership. This year's awards will highlight those at the forefront of security innovation, such as new threat-detection methods, advanced cyber analytics and initiatives addressing artificial intelligence dangers, zero trust and data protection. Award winners will be honored at the CSO Conference & Awards in October.

CSO serves enterprise security decision-makers and users with the critical information they need to stay ahead of evolving threats and defend against criminal cyberattacks. With incisive content that addresses all security disciplines, from risk management to network defense to fraud and data loss prevention, CSO offers unparalleled depth and insight to support key decisions and investments for IT security professionals. Go to www.csoonline.com for more information. 

Baptist Memorial Health Care is one of the country’s largest not-for-profit health care systems and the largest provider of Medicaid in the region. Consistently ranking among the top integrated health care networks in the country, Baptist Memorial comprises 24 affiliate hospitals in West Tennessee, North and Central Mississippi and East Arkansas; a freestanding emergency department; more than 6,000 affiliated physicians; Baptist Medical Group, a multispecialty physician group with more than 1,100 providers; Baptist Cancer Center; home, hospice and psychiatric care; walk-in and urgent care clinics; a network of surgery, rehabilitation and other outpatient centers; and an education system that includes Baptist Health Sciences University and a college of osteopathic medicine. Baptist employs more than 22,000 people, and in fiscal year 2023 contributed more than $465 million in community benefit and uncompensated care to the communities it serves. For more information, please visit www.baptistonline.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.com.

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“Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto is committed to providing excellent care for our community by implementing best practices, adhering to the latest treatment guidelines and streamlining processes to ensure timely and proper care for heart attacks and strokes,” said Brian Hogan, CEO and administrator of Baptist DeSoto. “Our teams put proven knowledge and guidelines to work on a daily basis, which helps us ensure more people in our service area experience longer, healthier lives.”

The two achievement awards include American Heart Association Get With The Guidelines-Heart Failure Bronze with Target: Heart Failure Optimal and Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Gold Plus with Target: Stroke Honor Roll with Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll. These awards recognize Baptist DeSoto for demonstrating commitment to following up-to-date, research-based guidelines for the treatment of heart disease and stroke.

Baptist DeSoto is one of only 323 hospitals nationwide to receive the Platinum Performance Achievement Award for 2025. The award recognizes Baptist DeSoto’s commitment and success in implementing a higher standard of care for heart attack patients and signifies that the hospital has reached the aggressive goal of treating patients to standard levels of care outlined by the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association clinical guidelines and recommendations.

Earlier this year, Baptist DeSoto became the first hospital in Mississippi to earn the HeartCARE Center National Distinction of Excellence. That means the hospital successfully achieved four ACC cardiovascular accreditations in the areas of chest pain, heart failure, catheterization lab and electrophysiology lab.

Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto is a 339-bed hospital that offers diagnostic, surgical and rehabilitation services, as well as open-heart surgery and a number of other cardiovascular services. The hospital completed a $19 million emergency department expansion and renovation project in 2018 that added 20,000 square feet to the facility. An 87,000-square-foot, $55 million physician office building opened on the hospital campus in July 2022. The hospital was recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a high-performing hospital in six specialties for 2025–2026, the American Heart Association for cardiac and stroke care and the American College of Cardiology as a HeartCARE Center National Distinction of Excellence in 2025. For more information, please call 662-772-4000, visit desoto.baptistonline.org or follow us on Facebook at @baptistmemorialhospital-desoto. 

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Mississippi Baptist Medical Center was named the Best Regional Hospital for the state of Mississippi and Jackson, Mississippi, and High Performing in 15 categories. Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis was rated High Performing in 19 categories and was named the Best Regional Hospital in Memphis and the No. 2 hospital in Tennessee, in a tie with another hospital.

“It is an honor to be recognized by U.S. News & World Report for the excellent care we provide at Baptist Memorial hospitals,” said Dr. William Cloud, VP/chief medical officer for Baptist Memorial Health Care. “Our staff is committed to continuous improvement, implementing best practices and advancing quality care in every community we serve.”

Four Baptist Memorial hospitals were also named High Performing Hospitals in multiple categories:

• Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto was named High Performing for six conditions — Heart Failure, COPD [chronic obstructive pulmonary disease], Diabetes, Heart Attack, Kidney Failure and Pneumonia
• Baptist Memorial Hospital-North Mississippi was rated High Performing for six procedures and conditions — Colon Cancer Surgery, Diabetes, Heart Attack, Hip Fracture, Kidney Failure and Pneumonia
• NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital was rated High Performing in four areas — Diabetes, Heart Attack, Kidney Failure and Pneumonia
• Baptist Memorial Hospital-Union County was rated High Performing for Pneumonia

To determine the Best Hospitals, U.S. News analyzed each hospital’s performance based on objective measures, such as risk-adjusted mortality rates, preventable complications and level of nursing care. The Best Hospitals Specialty rankings methodology and Procedures & Conditions ratings methodology measure patient outcomes using data from more than 800 million records of patient care.

U.S. News & World Report is the global leader for journalism that empowers consumers, citizens, business leaders and policy officials to make confident decisions in all aspects of their lives and communities. A multifaceted media company, U.S. News provides unbiased rankings, independent reporting and analysis, and consumer advice to millions of people on USNews.com each month. A pillar in Washington for more than 90 years, U.S. News is the trusted home for in-depth and exclusive insights on education, health, politics, the economy, personal finance, travel, automobiles, real estate, careers and consumer products and services. For more information, visit Best Hospitals and use #BestHospitals on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X.

Baptist Memorial Health Care is one of the country’s largest not-for-profit health care systems and the largest provider of Medicaid in the region. Consistently ranking among the top integrated health care networks in the country, Baptist Memorial comprises 24 affiliate hospitals in West Tennessee, North and Central Mississippi and East Arkansas; a freestanding emergency department; more than 6,000 affiliated physicians; Baptist Medical Group, a multispecialty physician group with more than 1,100 providers; Baptist Cancer Center; home, hospice and psychiatric care; walk-in and urgent care clinics; a network of surgery, rehabilitation and other outpatient centers; and an education system that includes Baptist Health Sciences University and a college of osteopathic medicine. Baptist employs more than 22,000 people, and in fiscal year 2023 contributed more than $465 million in community benefit and uncompensated care to the communities it serves. For more information, please visit www.baptistonline.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.com.

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“Baptist Carroll County is committed to providing quality health care for all our patients,” said Susan Breeden, administrator and CEO of Baptist Carroll County. “These recognitions demonstrate our team’s commitment to excellence and providing outstanding care in every discipline. We will continue to work to ensure more people in Carroll County experience longer, healthier lives.”

The American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines — Rural Stroke Gold Quality Achievement Award recognizes the hospital for its commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, leading to more lives saved and reduced disability.

CAP accreditation, provided by the College of American Pathologists, signifies Baptist Carroll County’s commitment to quality and excellence in laboratory services. Recognized globally as one of the most stringent accreditation processes in the field of pathology and laboratory medicine, CAP accreditation is a rigorous process that ensures laboratories maintain high standards of quality and compliance with regulatory requirements, ensuring reliable test results and patient safety. CAP-accredited laboratories demonstrate excellence in patient care and laboratory practices.

The Acute Stroke Ready Hospital Certification by the Joint Commission is for hospitals or emergency centers with a dedicated stroke-focused program and represents Baptist Carroll County’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of health care quality and safety for patients, team members and the community.

Baptist Memorial Hospital-Carroll County is a 70-bed facility in Huntingdon, Tennessee, that provides comprehensive inpatient and outpatient medical care to West Tennessee in a variety of specialized areas, including cardiac care, pediatrics, general surgery, physical therapy and palliative care, among others. The hospital offers advanced medical technology, such as 3D mammography and the Baptist TeleHealth Center, powered by TeleGuardian. Baptist Carroll County has earned many awards and recognitions, including the Tennessee Quality Award, Premier Inc.’s QUEST Award for High-Value Healthcare, the QUEST Hero Award, the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval in 2015 and multiple “A” Hospital Safety grades from the Leapfrog Group. The hospital was one of only two in Tennessee named to the Chartis Center for Rural Health 2025 Top 100 Rural & Community Hospitals list. Baptist Carroll County also operates an outpatient surgery center in Jackson, Tennessee, offering convenient access to same-day surgical services with advanced capabilities. To learn more, visit baptistonline.org/carrollcounty, or follow us on Facebook at @BaptistCarrollCounty.

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The award recognizes Mississippi Baptist Medical Center’s commitment and success in implementing a higher standard of care for heart attack patients according to the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association. Recognized hospitals have demonstrated sustained, top-level performance in quality of care and adherence to guideline recommendations.

“Being recognized by the American College of Cardiology for the heart care we provide at Mississippi Baptist Medical Center is a great honor and a validation of the high-quality heart care our staff provides,” said Bobbie Ware, CEO and administrator at Mississippi Baptist Medical Center. “This award validates the excellence of our clinical team and demonstrates their commitment to providing the best possible care for our patients and community. I congratulate our heart division for dedicating themselves every day to the well-being of seriously ill heart patients and for continuing to raise the bar for heart care.”   

Mississippi Baptist Medical Center has demonstrated sustained achievement in the Chest Pain  ̶  MI Registry for five consecutive years and performed at the highest level for specific performance measures. Full participation in the registry immerses hospitals in a robust quality improvement process using data to drive improvements in adherence to guideline recommendations and overall quality of care provided to heart attack patients.

The National Cardiovascular Data Chest Pain  ̶  MI Registry empowers health care provider teams to consistently treat heart attack patients according to the most current, science-based guidelines and establishes a national standard for understanding and improving the quality, safety and outcomes of care provided for patients with coronary artery disease, specifically high-risk heart attack patients.

The American College of Cardiology (ACC) is the global leader in transforming cardiovascular care and improving heart health for all. As the preeminent source of professional medical education for the entire cardiovascular care team since 1949, ACC credentials cardiovascular professionals in over 140 countries who meet stringent qualifications and leads in the formation of health policy, standards and guidelines. Through its world-renowned family of JACC Journals, NCDR registries, ACC Accreditation Services, global network of Member Sections, CardioSmart patient resources and more, the College is committed to ensuring a world where science, knowledge and innovation optimize patient care and outcomes. Learn more at www.ACC.org or follow @ACCinTouch.

Mississippi Baptist Medical Center, named the No. 1 hospital in Mississippi six years in a row by U.S. News & World Report, signed a shared mission agreement with Baptist Memorial Health Care in May 2017, making Baptist Memorial one of Mississippi’s largest employers and the largest health care system in the state. MBMC has 638 licensed beds and is home to Baptist Cancer Center, a six-level tower housing the Cardiovascular Center and Baptist for Women. The hospital has received numerous awards and recognition for its excellent care, including  the Platinum Performance Achievement Award from the American College of Cardiology, the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines - Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award with Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite Plus and Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll, and was awarded the Chest Pain Center Accreditation with PCI (Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention) by the American College of Cardiology in 2024. For more information, visit www.baptistonline.org/locations/jackson or follow us on www.facebook.com/mississippibaptistmedicalcenter.

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Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and a top cause of disability in the United States. Get With The Guidelines puts the expertise of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association to work for hospitals nationwide, helping ensure patient care is aligned with the latest research- and evidence-based guidelines. Get With The Guidelines - Stroke is an in-hospital program for improving stroke care by promoting consistent adherence to these guidelines, which can minimize the long-term effects of a stroke and even prevent death.

“Baptist Golden Triangle is committed to providing quality stroke and heart care for all our patients,” said Robert Coleman, administrator and CEO at Baptist Golden Triangle. “Get With The Guidelines makes it easier for our teams to access and implement proven knowledge and guidelines on a daily basis, which helps patients recover better. The ultimate goal is to ensure more people in Columbus experience longer, healthier lives.”

Each year, program participants qualify for the Get With The Guidelines award by demonstrating how their organization has committed to providing quality care for stroke patients. In addition to following treatment guidelines, Get With The Guidelines participants also educate patients to help them manage their health and recovery at home.

Baptist Golden Triangle also received the American Heart Association’s Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll Award. Target: Type 2 Diabetes aims to ensure patients with Type 2 diabetes, who might be at higher risk for complications, receive the most up-to-date, evidence-based care when hospitalized because of stroke.

Get With The Guidelines is the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s hospital-based quality improvement program that provides hospitals with the latest research-based guidelines. Developed with the goal of saving lives and hastening recovery, Get With The Guidelines has touched the lives of more than 14 million patients since 2001. For more information, visit heart.org.

With 323 beds, Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle is one of the largest regional hospitals affiliated with Baptist Memorial Health Care. More than 100 physicians and surgeons, representing almost every medical specialty, practice at the hospital that offers a full range of comprehensive medical care to patients of all ages. In addition to the Baptist Cancer Center in Columbus and Starkville, the hospital offers a variety of other services to the community, including Baptist Behavioral Health Care, for those with behavioral and mental health problems; an extensive rehabilitation department; and free community education programs for the public.  For more information, please call 662-244-1000 or visit www.baptistonline.org/locations/golden-triangle, or follow us on Facebook @BaptistGoldenTriangle.

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The award recognizes Baptist Golden Triangle’s commitment and success in implementing a higher standard of care for heart attack patients according to the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association. Recognized hospitals have demonstrated sustained, top-level performance in quality of care and adherence to guideline recommendations.

“Being recognized by the American College of Cardiology for the heart care we provide at Baptist Golden Triangle is a great honor and a validation of the high-quality heart care our staff provides,” said Robert Coleman, CEO and administrator at Baptist Golden Triangle. “This award validates the excellence of our clinical team and demonstrates their commitment to providing the best possible care for our patients and community. I congratulate our heart division for dedicating themselves every day to the well-being of seriously ill heart patients and for continuing to raise the bar for heart care.”   

Baptist Golden Triangle has demonstrated sustained achievement in the Chest Pain  ̶  MI Registry and performed at the highest level for specific performance measures. Full participation in the registry immerses hospitals in a robust quality improvement process using data to drive improvements in adherence to guideline recommendations and overall quality of care provided to heart attack patients.

The National Cardiovascular Data Chest Pain  ̶  MI Registry empowers health care provider teams to consistently treat heart attack patients according to the most current, science-based guidelines and establishes a national standard for understanding and improving the quality, safety and outcomes of care provided for patients with coronary artery disease, specifically high-risk heart attack patients.

The American College of Cardiology (ACC) is the global leader in transforming cardiovascular care and improving heart health for all. As the preeminent source of professional medical education for the entire cardiovascular care team since 1949, ACC credentials cardiovascular professionals in over 140 countries who meet stringent qualifications and leads in the formation of health policy, standards and guidelines. Through its world-renowned family of JACC Journals, NCDR registries, ACC Accreditation Services, global network of Member Sections, CardioSmart patient resources and more, the College is committed to ensuring a world where science, knowledge and innovation optimize patient care and outcomes. Learn more at www.ACC.org or follow @ACCinTouch.

With 323 beds, Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle is one of the largest regional hospitals affiliated with Baptist Memorial Health Care. More than 100 physicians and surgeons, representing almost every medical specialty, practice at the hospital that offers a full range of comprehensive medical care to patients of all ages. In addition to the Baptist Cancer Center in Columbus and Starkville, the hospital offers a variety of other services to the community, including Baptist Behavioral Health Care, for those with behavioral and mental health problems; an extensive rehabilitation department; and free community education programs for the public.  For more information, please call 662-244-1000 or visit www.baptistonline.org/locations/golden-triangle, or follow us on Facebook @BaptistGoldenTriangle.

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The award recognizes Baptist Anderson’s commitment and success in implementing a higher standard of care for heart attack patients according to the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association. Recognized hospitals have demonstrated sustained, top-level performance in quality of care and adherence to guideline recommendations.

“Being recognized by the American College of Cardiology for seven years in a row demonstrates our entire team’s unwavering commitment to excellence for our patients,” said Dr. Jennifer Rodriguez, interventional cardiologist with Cardiovascular Institute of the South and Baptist Anderson Regional Medical Center. “For this to happen, every single team member—including our technologists, nurses and providers—must perform at an exceptional level every single day, for every single patient. I am beyond proud to be part of this team and excited to continue finding new ways to bring high-quality care to our community.”

Baptist Anderson Regional Medical Center has demonstrated sustained achievement in the Chest Pain  ̶  MI Registry and performed at the highest level for specific performance measures. Full participation in the registry immerses hospitals in a robust quality improvement process using data to drive improvements in adherence to guideline recommendations and overall quality of care provided to heart attack patients.

The National Cardiovascular Data Chest Pain  ̶  MI Registry empowers health care provider teams to consistently treat heart attack patients according to the most current, science-based guidelines and establishes a national standard for understanding and improving the quality, safety and outcomes of care provided for patients with coronary artery disease, specifically high-risk heart attack patients.

The American College of Cardiology (ACC) is the global leader in transforming cardiovascular care and improving heart health for all. As the preeminent source of professional medical education for the entire cardiovascular care team since 1949, ACC credentials cardiovascular professionals in over 140 countries who meet stringent qualifications and leads in the formation of health policy, standards and guidelines. Through its world-renowned family of JACC Journals, NCDR registries, ACC Accreditation Services, global network of Member Sections, CardioSmart patient resources and more, the College is committed to ensuring a world where science, knowledge and innovation optimize patient care and outcomes. Learn more at www.ACC.org or follow @ACCinTouch.

Baptist Anderson Regional Medical Center merged with Baptist Memorial Health Care, one of the largest health care systems in the U.S., in January 2024. Founded by Dr. William Jefferson Anderson in 1928, the hospital became the leader in offering premier medical services in Meridian, Mississippi, with 260 patient beds on its north campus and 140 beds on its south campus. Providing unparalleled care in East Central Mississippi and West Central Alabama, Baptist Anderson offers access to the area’s only cancer center, including radiation oncology and medical oncology services, a level III trauma emergency department with helipad service, advanced intensive care and cardiac care units, an obstetrics program with a level III newborn ICU, an inpatient pediatric center, a medically based fitness center and a network of primary care, specialty and rural health clinics. For more information, visit www.andersonregional.org or follow us on Facebook.

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As more consumers seek online reviews and feedback on health care providers, the Reputation Score provides a good measurement of how providers are perceived. The higher the score, the more likely providers stand out in online reviews and search engine results.

Baptist’s 800 Award recipients had scores ranging from 800 to 880. The maximum Reputation Score available is 1,000, so individuals with scores in the 800s represent those who consistently provide excellent patient care.

“We are thrilled to see Baptist Medical Group providers receiving these high scores,” said Justin Rhodes, CEO of Baptist Medical Group and vice president of Baptist Connected Care. “Finding the right caregiver is very important to a person’s health and well-being. When you’re entrusting someone with your health, feedback from other patients is valuable information.”

Top Performers

Dr. Scott Hoke is a primary care physician in Jonesboro, AR. He received a Reputation Score of 880.  Dr. Alison Pomykala practices internal medicine in Germantown, Tennessee. She received a Reputation Score of 865. Dr. Fang Zhou practices family medicine in Memphis, Tennessee. She received a Reputation Score of 815. 

Is your doctor on the list?

All Baptist providers receiving the 800 Award have the logo on their profile pages on baptistonline.org and  baptistdoctors.org. 

Find a doctor at baptistdoctors.org.

People in rural communities live an average of three years less than their urban counterparts and have a 40% higher likelihood of developing heart disease. They also face a 30% increased risk for stroke mortality, a gap that has grown over the past two decades.

“It means a great deal to the heart and stroke teams at Baptist Carroll County to be recognized for the quality care they provide,” said Susan Breeden, CEO and administrator of Baptist Carroll County. “Our staff works hard to stay up to date on best practices for stroke treatment so they can provide excellent care for every patient. By following the American Heart Association’s stroke guidelines, our team gives patients the best possible chance of recovery and survival regardless of where they live.”

This award recognizes hospitals for their efforts to achieve acute stroke care excellence by complying with guideline-directed care for intravenous thrombolytic therapy, timely hospital interfacility transfer, dysphagia screening, symptom timeline and deficit assessment documentation, emergency medical services communication, brain imaging and stroke expert consultation.

“Patients and health care professionals in Carroll County face unique health care challenges and opportunities,” said Dr. Karen E. Joynt Maddox, MPH, volunteer expert for the American Heart Association. “Baptist Carroll County has furthered this important work to improve care for all Americans, regardless of where they live.”

The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, recognizes the importance of health care services provided to people living in rural areas by rural hospitals that play a vital role in initiation of timely evidence-based care. For that reason, all rural hospitals participating in Get With The Guidelines — Stroke are eligible to receive award recognition based on a unique methodology focused on early acute stroke performance metrics.

Baptist Memorial Hospital-Carroll County provides comprehensive inpatient and outpatient medical care to West Tennessee in a variety of specialized areas, including cardiac care, pediatrics, general surgery, physical therapy and palliative care, among others. The 70-bed facility is located in Huntingdon, Tennessee, and offers advanced medical technology, such as 3D mammography and the Baptist TeleHealth Center, which uses TeleGuardian. Baptist Carroll County is the recipient of many awards and accolades, including the Tennessee Quality Award, Premier Inc.’s QUEST Award for High-Valued Healthcare, the Quest Hero Award, Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval in 2015 and an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from the Leapfrog Group in 2024. For more information, visit baptistonline.org/carrollcounty or follow us on Facebook at @BaptistCarrollCounty.

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            Only 8.2% of hospitals received five stars in the July 2024 results, and this is the second year in a row Baptist Leake has received this distinction. The overall rating, between one and five stars, shows how well each hospital performed on a set of quality measures compared to other hospitals in the United States. The more stars a hospital received, the better the hospital performed on available quality measures.

“We are excited to receive a five-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services,” said Daryl Weaver, CEO and administrator of Baptist Leake. “This recognition highlights the excellence and dedication of our team and their commitment to providing high-quality health care for our patients every day.”

Baptist Leake is one of only two hospitals in Mississippi to receive five stars. The ratings are based on 46 hospital quality measures, which are divided into five quality categories — mortality, safety of care, readmission, patient experience and timely and effective care. CMS created the Five-Star Quality Rating System to help consumers, their families and caregivers compare nursing homes more easily. 

CMS rated more than 3,000 hospitals across the country on a scale of one to five stars. Of these hospitals, 381 hospitals received five stars. Medicare based the star rating on measures that include patient reviews, outcomes and infection rates. To learn more about star ratings and Hospital Compare, visit medicare.gov/care-compare/.  

Baptist Memorial Hospital-Leake is a 25-bed community hospital offering inpatient, outpatient and advanced diagnostic services to communities in Leake and surrounding areas. Baptist Leake provides specialty services, including the Senior Life Solutions Intensive Outpatient Program, a wide range of outpatient specialty services, a 24-hour emergency department, one on-site primary care clinic and two primary care clinics in Walnut Grove and Madden. For more information, go to www.baptistonline.org/locations/leake or follow us on Facebook at @BaptistLeake.

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Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and a top cause of disability in the United States. Get With The Guidelines puts the expertise of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association to work for hospitals nationwide, helping ensure patient care is aligned with the latest research- and evidence-based guidelines. Get With The Guidelines - Stroke is an in-hospital program for improving stroke care by promoting consistent adherence to these guidelines, which can minimize the long-term effects of a stroke and even prevent death.

“Baptist Golden Triangle is committed to providing quality stroke and heart care for all our patients,” said Rob Coleman, administrator and CEO of Baptist Golden Triangle. “Get With The Guidelines makes it easier for our teams to access and implement proven knowledge and guidelines on a daily basis, which helps patients recover better. The ultimate goal is to ensure more people in Columbus experience longer, healthier lives.”

Each year, program participants qualify for the Get With The Guidelines award by demonstrating how their organization has committed to providing quality care for stroke patients. In addition to following treatment guidelines, Get With The Guidelines participants also educate patients to help them manage their health and recovery at home.

“We are incredibly pleased to recognize Baptist Golden Triangle for its commitment to caring for patients with stroke,” said Dr. Steven Messe, volunteer chairperson of the American Heart Association Stroke System of Care Advisory Group and professor of neurology and director of fellowships of neurology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. “Participation in Get With The Guidelines is associated with improved patient outcomes, fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates — a win for health care systems, families and communities.”

Baptist Golden Triangle also received the American Heart Association’s Target: Stroke Elite Honor Roll Award. To qualify for this recognition, hospitals must meet specific criteria that reduce the time between an eligible patient’s arrival at the hospital and treatment with thrombolytic therapy. 

Get With The Guidelines is the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s hospital-based quality improvement program that provides hospitals with the latest research-based guidelines. Developed with the goal of saving lives and hastening recovery, Get With The Guidelines has touched the lives of more than 14 million patients since 2001. For more information, visit heart.org.

With 323 beds, Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle is one of the largest regional hospitals affiliated with Baptist Memorial Health Care. More than 100 physicians and surgeons, representing almost every medical specialty, practice at the hospital that offers a full range of comprehensive medical care to patients of all ages. In addition to the Baptist Cancer Center in Columbus and Starkville, the hospital offers a variety of other services to the community, including Baptist Behavioral Health Care, for those with behavioral and mental health problems; an extensive rehabilitation department; and free community education programs for the public. Baptist Golden Triangle is the only hospital in Mississippi and one of only 15 in the U.S. to have achieved Straight ‘A’s in Leapfrog’s Hospital Safety Score since 2012. For more information, please call 662-244-1000 or visit goldentriangle.baptistonline.org or follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/Baptistgoldentriangle.

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Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and a top cause of disability in the United States. Get With The Guidelines puts the expertise of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association to work for hospitals nationwide, helping ensure patient care is aligned with the latest research- and evidence-based guidelines. Get With The Guidelines - Stroke is an in-hospital program for improving stroke care by promoting consistent adherence to these guidelines, which can minimize the long-term effects of a stroke and even prevent death.

 “Baptist North Mississippi is committed to providing quality stroke and heart care for all our patients,” said Brian Welton, administrator and CEO of Baptist North Mississippi. “Get With The Guidelines makes it easier for our teams to access and implement proven knowledge and guidelines on a daily basis, which helps patients recover better. The ultimate goal is to ensure more people in Oxford experience longer, healthier lives.”

Each year, program participants qualify for the Get With The Guidelines award by demonstrating how their organization has committed to providing quality care for stroke patients. In addition to following treatment guidelines, Get With The Guidelines participants also educate patients to help them manage their health and recovery at home.

“We are incredibly pleased to recognize Baptist North Mississippi for its commitment to caring for patients with stroke,” said Dr. Steven Messe, volunteer chairperson of the American Heart Association Stroke System of Care Advisory Group and professor of neurology and director of fellowships of neurology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. “Participation in Get With The Guidelines is associated with improved patient outcomes, fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates — a win for health care systems, families and communities.”

Baptist North Mississippi also received the American Heart Association’s Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll Award. Target: Type 2 Diabetes aims to ensure patients with Type 2 diabetes, who might be at higher risk for complications, receive the most up-to-date, evidence-based care when hospitalized because of stroke.

Get With The Guidelines is the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s hospital-based quality improvement program that provides hospitals with the latest research-based guidelines. Developed with the goal of saving lives and hastening recovery, Get With The Guidelines has touched the lives of more than 14 million patients since 2001. For more information, visit heart.org.

Baptist North Mississippi is a 217-bed hospital in Oxford, Mississippi, that offers a variety of services including cardiovascular surgery, neurosurgery, home care and hospice and a 24-hour emergency room. In November 2017, the hospital moved into a five-story, 600,000-square-foot-facility that offers expanded services, including a larger emergency department; advanced technology; and larger rooms for patients and their families. Since the hospital became affiliated with the Baptist system in 1989, Baptist has invested almost $700 million into the community. For more information, please call 662-636-1000 or visit northmiss.baptistonline.org.

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Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and a top cause of disability in the United States. Get With The Guidelines puts the expertise of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association to work for hospitals nationwide, helping ensure patient care is aligned with the latest research- and evidence-based guidelines. Get With The Guidelines - Stroke is an in-hospital program for improving stroke care by promoting consistent adherence to these guidelines, which can minimize the long-term effects of a stroke and even prevent death.

“Baptist Crittenden is committed to providing quality stroke and heart care for all our patients,” said Dr. Samuel Pieh, administrator and CEO of Baptist Crittenden. “Get With The Guidelines makes it easier for our teams to access and implement proven knowledge and guidelines on a daily basis, which helps patients recover better. The ultimate goal is to ensure more people in West Memphis experience longer, healthier lives.”

Each year, program participants qualify for the Get With The Guidelines award by demonstrating how their organization has committed to providing quality care for stroke patients. In addition to following treatment guidelines, Get With The Guidelines participants also educate patients to help them manage their health and recovery at home.

“We are incredibly pleased to recognize Baptist Crittenden for its commitment to caring for patients with stroke,” said Dr. Steven Messe, volunteer chairperson of the American Heart Association Stroke System of Care Advisory Group and professor of neurology and director of fellowships of neurology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. “Participation in Get With The Guidelines is associated with improved patient outcomes, fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates — a win for health care systems, families and communities.”

Baptist Crittenden also received the bronze award for Get With The Guidelines - Mission: Lifeline Hospital ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction. This program recognizes hospitals for their outstanding performance in high quality systems care performance by meeting or exceeding guideline therapy recommendations in treating patients presenting with severe heart attacks.

Get With The Guidelines is the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s hospital-based quality improvement program that provides hospitals with the latest research-based guidelines. Developed with the goal of saving lives and hastening recovery, Get With The Guidelines has touched the lives of more than 14 million patients since 2001. For more information, visit heart.org.

Baptist Memorial Hospital-Crittenden opened in November 2018 and is an 11-bed, 65,000-square-foot acute care facility serving Crittenden County, Arkansas. The hospital offers emergency services, general and orthopedic surgery, quality inpatient and outpatient diagnostic services, echocardiography imaging and an eight-bay cancer center that provides chemotherapy and infusion therapy.

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MEMPHIS, Tenn., July 16, 2024 – U.S. News & World Report has named Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis the No. 1 hospital in the Memphis metropolitan area and the No. 2 hospital in Tennessee in U.S. News’ 2024–2025 edition of Best Hospitals.

U.S. News evaluated nearly 5,000 hospitals across 15 specialties and 20 procedures and conditions; only 11% of evaluated hospitals earned a Best Hospitals ranking. Hospitals awarded a “Best” designation excelled at factors, such as clinical outcomes, level of nursing care and patient experience.

 “Recognition from U.S. News & World Report as the No. 1 hospital in Memphis is a great honor and compliment to our team,” said Paul Cade, administrator and CEO of Baptist Memphis. “Our staff at Baptist Memphis is excellent and works diligently to provide top-quality care for all patients. I am proud of our team and the lifesaving care they provide.”

Baptist Memphis was also recognized with 14 High Performing ratings for heart bypass surgery; congestive heart failure; colon cancer surgery; COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease); diabetes; heart attack; hip replacement; kidney failure; knee replacement; leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma; lung cancer surgery, pneumonia; stroke; and transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

“For 35 years, U.S. News has been a leading resource for patients navigating their health care decisions,” said Ben Harder, chief of health analysis and managing editor at U.S. News. “A 'Best Hospital' recognition empowers patients to seek out medical care from the best of the best to treat their illness or condition.”

U.S. News evaluated each hospital’s performance using a variety of measures, such as survival rates, complication rates, patient experience and level of nursing care. The Best Hospitals methodology factors in data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, American Hospital Association, professional organizations and medical specialists.

U.S. News & World Report is the global leader in quality rankings that empower consumers, business leaders and policy officials to make better, more informed decisions about important issues affecting their lives and communities. A multifaceted digital media company with Education, Health, Money, Travel, Cars, News, Real Estate, Careers and 360 Reviews platforms, U.S. News provides rankings, independent reporting, data journalism, consumer advice and U.S. News Live events. More than 40 million people visit USNews.com each month for research and guidance. Founded in 1933, U.S. News is headquartered in Washington, D.C.

Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis, a 706-bed hospital located on an 80-acre medical campus in Memphis, Tennessee, is the flagship hospital of Baptist Memorial Health Care, one of the largest health care systems in the country. Named as the Best Regional Hospital in Memphis by U.S. News & World Report from 2021 to 2023, it serves as a major referral center for patients from across the Mid-South and has the only certified adult heart transplant and adult extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) programs in the Mid-South. The hospital also offers specialty, diagnostic, surgical and rehabilitation services. According to HealthGrades, an independent health care ratings organization, Baptist Memphis’ cardiac surgery, stroke, gastrointestinal, pulmonary and critical care programs were among the top 5% in the nation in 2009, resulting in the facility receiving Specialty Excellence awards. For more information, go to https://www.baptistonline.org/locations/memphis, or call 901-226-5000.

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“This is a great recognition to receive, especially because it highlights our staff’s commitment to providing outstanding care, even during challenging times,” said Susan Breeden, CEO and administrator of Baptist Carroll County. “We’re proud of our team for their continued dedication to providing quality care and patient safety.”

The Leapfrog Group, an independent national watchdog organization, assigns an A, B, C, D or F grade to general hospitals across the country based on more than 30 national performance measures reflecting errors, accidents, injuries and infections, as well as systems hospitals have in place to prevent harm. This national distinction celebrates a hospital’s achievements in prioritizing patient safety by protecting patients from preventable harm and errors. The new grades reflect performance primarily during the height of the pandemic.

“This new update of Hospital Safety Grades shows that, at the national level, we saw deterioration in patient safety with the pandemic,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of the Leapfrog Group. “But Baptist Carroll County received an A despite those challenges. I congratulate all the leaders, staff, volunteers and clinicians who together made that possible.”

The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is the only hospital ratings program based exclusively on hospital prevention of medical errors and harm to patients. The grading system is peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public. Grades are updated twice annually, in the fall and spring.

To see Baptist Carroll County’s full grade details and to access patient tips for staying safe in the hospital, visit HospitalSafetyGrade.org.

Founded in 2000 by large employers and other purchasers, the Leapfrog Group is a national nonprofit organization driving a movement for giant leaps for patient safety. The flagship Leapfrog Hospital Survey and new Leapfrog Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) Survey collect and transparently report hospital and ASC performance, empowering purchasers to find the highest value care and giving consumers the lifesaving information they need to make informed decisions. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, Leapfrog's other main initiative, assigns letter grades to hospitals based on their record of patient safety, helping consumers protect themselves and their families from errors, injuries, accidents and infections. For more, follow us on Twitter and Facebook, and sign up for our newsletter.

Baptist Memorial Hospital-Carroll County provides comprehensive inpatient and outpatient medical care to West Tennessee in a variety of specialized areas, including cardiac care, pediatrics, general surgery, physical therapy and palliative care, among others. The 70-bed facility is located in Huntingdon, Tennessee, and offers advanced medical technology, such as 3D mammography, and the Baptist TeleHealth Center. Baptist Carroll County is the recipient of many awards and accolades, including the Tennessee Quality Award, Premier Inc.’s QUEST Award for High-value Healthcare, the Quest Hero Award, Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval in 2015 and an A Hospital Safety Grade from the Leapfrog Group in 2023. For more information, visit baptistonline.org/carrollcounty.

This accolade recognizes Baptist Golden Triangle as one of only 20 hospitals in the country to be awarded an A in every Hospital Safety Grade cycle since 2012, including this latest grade update during the height of the pandemic.

“We’re honored to receive an A rating from Leapfrog for 11 consecutive years,” said Rob Coleman, CEO and administrator of Baptist Golden Triangle. “It is a significant accomplishment and a testament to our team’s continued dedication to providing quality care and patient safety.”

The Leapfrog Group, an independent national watchdog organization, assigns an A, B, C, D or F grade to general hospitals across the country based on more than 30 national performance measures reflecting errors, accidents, injuries and infections, as well as systems hospitals have in place to prevent harm.

This national distinction celebrates a hospital’s achievements in prioritizing patient safety by protecting patients from preventable harm and errors. The new grades reflect performance primarily during the height of the pandemic.

“This new update of Hospital Safety Grades shows that, at the national level, we saw deterioration in patient safety with the pandemic,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of the Leapfrog Group. “But Baptist Golden Triangle received an A despite those challenges. I congratulate all the leaders, staff, volunteers and clinicians who together made that possible.”

The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is the only hospital ratings program based exclusively on hospital prevention of medical errors and harm to patients. The grading system is peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public. Grades are updated twice annually, in the fall and spring.

To see Baptist Golden Triangle’s full grade details and to access patient tips for staying safe in the hospital, visit HospitalSafetyGrade.org.

Founded in 2000 by large employers and other purchasers, the Leapfrog Group is a national nonprofit organization driving a movement for giant leaps for patient safety. The flagship Leapfrog Hospital Survey and new Leapfrog Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) Survey collect and transparently report hospital and ASC performance, empowering purchasers to find the highest value care and giving consumers the lifesaving information they need to make informed decisions. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, Leapfrog's other main initiative, assigns letter grades to hospitals based on their record of patient safety, helping consumers protect themselves and their families from errors, injuries, accidents and infections. For more, follow us on Twitter and Facebook, and sign up for our newsletter.

With 323 beds, Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle is one of the largest regional hospitals affiliated with Baptist Memorial Health Care. More than 100 physicians and surgeons, representing almost every medical specialty, practice at the hospital that offers a full range of comprehensive medical care to patients of all ages. In addition to the Baptist Cancer Center in Columbus and Starkville, the hospital offers a variety of other services to the community, including Baptist Behavioral Health Care; an extensive rehabilitation department; and free community education programs for the public. Baptist Golden Triangle is the only hospital in Mississippi and one of only 22 in the U.S. to have achieved Straight A’s on Leapfrog’s Hospital Safety Score since 2012. For more information, please call 662-244-1000 or visit goldentriangle.baptistonline.org, or follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/Baptistgoldentriangle.

“We’re honored to receive this recognition from the Leapfrog Group,” said Sam Lynd, CEO and administrator of NEA Baptist. “This safety rating demonstrates the quality of our hospital and reassures the community that they can trust the care they receive from our team at NEA Baptist.”

The Leapfrog Group, an independent national watchdog organization, assigns an A, B, C, D or F grade to general hospitals across the country based on more than 30 national performance measures reflecting errors, accidents, injuries and infections, as well as systems hospitals have in place to prevent harm. This national distinction celebrates a hospital’s achievements in prioritizing patient safety by protecting patients from preventable harm and errors. The new grades reflect performance primarily during the height of the pandemic.

“This new update of Hospital Safety Grades shows that, at the national level, we saw deterioration in patient safety with the pandemic,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of the Leapfrog Group. “But NEA Baptist received an A despite those challenges. I congratulate all the leaders, staff, volunteers and clinicians who together made that possible.”

The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is the only hospital ratings program based exclusively on hospital prevention of medical errors and harm to patients. The grading system is peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public. Grades are updated twice annually, in the fall and spring.

To see NEA Baptist’s full grade details and to access patient tips for staying safe in the hospital, visit HospitalSafetyGrade.org.

Founded in 2000 by large employers and other purchasers, the Leapfrog Group is a national nonprofit organization driving a movement for giant leaps for patient safety. The flagship Leapfrog Hospital Survey and new Leapfrog Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) Survey collect and transparently report hospital and ASC performance, empowering purchasers to find the highest value care and giving consumers the lifesaving information they need to make informed decisions. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, Leapfrog's other main initiative, assigns letter grades to hospitals based on their record of patient safety, helping consumers protect themselves and their families from errors, injuries, accidents and infections. For more, follow us on Twitter and Facebook, and sign up for our newsletter.

NEA Baptist comprises NEA Baptist Clinic, NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital and NEA Baptist Fowler Family Center for Cancer Care. The 228-bed hospital offers cancer care, heart care through the Heart Center, labor and delivery services through the hospital’s Women’s Center, as well as a number of inpatient and outpatient services, emergency care and surgical services, such as weight loss surgery, neurology, respiratory care and pulmonary rehabilitation. NEA Baptist Clinic has more than 110 physicians practicing in more than 35 specialties and offering a wealth of services from pediatrics to orthopedics. For more information about NEA Baptist, please call 870-936-1000 or visit www.baptistonline.org/locations/nea.

This award recognizes hospitals and clinics that perform in the top 5% of health care organizations for patient experience, patient or physician engagement or clinical quality performance during a year’s time.

“This recognition a clear indication of our staff’s commitment to excellence and consistently providing a great experience and quality care for patients,” said Paul Cade, CEO and administrator of Baptist Golden Triangle. “We are proud of both our physician and employee engagement scores that have been in the top percentile rankings of hospitals in our system for the past two years. When your employees and physicians are satisfied, it shows in the high quality of care you give your patients.”

Press Ganey, the leading Human Experience (HX) healthcare performance improvement company, offers an integrated suite of solutions that address safety, clinical excellence, patient experience and workforce engagement. The company works with more than 41,000 healthcare facilities in its mission to reduce patient suffering and enhance caregiver resilience to improve the overall safety, quality and experience of care. Press Ganey is a PG Forsta company.

With 323 beds, Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle is one of the largest regional hospitals affiliated with Baptist Memorial Health Care. More than 100 physicians and surgeons, representing almost every medical specialty, practice at the hospital that offers a full range of comprehensive medical care to patients of all ages. In addition to the Baptist Cancer Center in Columbus and Starkville, the hospital offers a variety of other services to the community, including Baptist Behavioral Health Care, for those with behavioral and mental health problems; an extensive rehabilitation department; and free community education programs for the public. Baptist Golden Triangle is the only hospital in Mississippi and one of only 22 in the U.S. to have achieved Straight ‘A’s in Leapfrog’s Hospital Safety Score since 2012. For more information, please call 662-244-1000 or visit goldentriangle.baptistonline.org or follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/Baptistgoldentriangle.

This award recognizes hospitals that perform in the top 5% of health care organizations for patient experience, patient or physician engagement or clinical quality performance during a year’s time.

“Our team members impact the lives of our patients every day,” said Sam Lynd, CEO and administrator of NEA Baptist. “These accolades reinforce the fact that we have the right people and tools in place to provide the best patient care our region has to offer.”

Press Ganey, the leading Human Experience (HX) healthcare performance improvement company, offers an integrated suite of solutions that address safety, clinical excellence, patient experience and workforce engagement. The company works with more than 41,000 healthcare facilities in its mission to reduce patient suffering and enhance caregiver resilience to improve the overall safety, quality and experience of care. Press Ganey is a PG Forsta company.

NEA Baptist Health System comprises NEA Baptist Clinic, NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital and NEA Baptist Fowler Family Center for Cancer Care. The 228-bed hospital offers cancer care, heart care through the Heart Center, labor and delivery services through the hospital’s Women’s Center, as well as a number of inpatient and outpatient services, emergency care, and surgical services, such as weight loss surgery, neurology, respiratory care and pulmonary rehabilitation. NEA Baptist Clinic has more than 110 physicians practicing in more than 35 specialties and offering a wealth of services, from pediatrics to orthopedics. For more information about NEA Baptist, please call 870-936-1000 or visit www.baptistonline.org/locations/nea.

This award recognizes hospitals that perform in the top 5% of health care organizations for patient experience, patient or physician engagement or clinical quality performance during a year’s time.

“We’re honored to receive this recognition from PressGaney,” said James Grantham, CEO and administrator of Baptist Booneville. “This award showcases our team’s dedication to providing high-quality health care to the community we serve.”

Press Ganey, the leading Human Experience (HX) healthcare performance improvement company, offers an integrated suite of solutions that address safety, clinical excellence, patient experience and workforce engagement. The company works with more than 41,000 healthcare facilities in its mission to reduce patient suffering and enhance caregiver resilience to improve the overall safety, quality and experience of care. Press Ganey is a PG Forsta company.

Baptist Booneville offers general surgery, diagnostic services, critical care and other acute care services. The hospital operates one of the few geriatric psychiatric units in the area, as well as an Intensive Outpatient Behavioral Health Unit and Sleep Disorders Lab. It also features a specialty clinic that includes ophthalmology and orthopedic services. For more information, please call 662-720-5000 or visit www.baptistonline.org/locations/booneville.

This award recognizes hospitals that perform in the top 5% of health care organizations for patient experience, patient or physician engagement or clinical quality performance during a year’s time.

“Baptist Collierville is honored to receive this recognition from PressGaney,” said Lindsay Stencel, administrator and CEO of Baptist Collierville. “Our team works hard to take care of our patients, and this award highlights their continued dedication.”

Press Ganey, the leading Human Experience (HX) healthcare performance improvement company, offers an integrated suite of solutions that address safety, clinical excellence, patient experience and workforce engagement. The company works with more than 41,000 healthcare facilities in its mission to reduce patient suffering and enhance caregiver resilience to improve the overall safety, quality and experience of care. Press Ganey is a PG Forsta company.

Baptist Collierville opened its doors in May 1999. With all the amenities of home, this full-service hospital sits on a 75-acre park-like campus and features extra-large patient rooms and a walking trail. Medical services include a full-service emergency room, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, inpatient and outpatient surgery, an ICU, inpatient and outpatient diagnostics, the Baptist Sleep Disorders Center, outpatient women’s services and 81 licensed beds.

This award recognizes hospitals that perform in the top 5% of health care organizations for patient experience, patient or physician engagement or clinical quality performance during a year’s time.

“Baptist Cancer Center is honored to receive this recognition from PressGaney,” said Ann Bishop, system administrator of oncology for Baptist Memorial Health Care. “We are proud that our employees feel enthusiasm and dedication towards their jobs and that their efforts make a difference.”

Press Ganey, the leading Human Experience (HX) healthcare performance improvement company, offers an integrated suite of solutions that address safety, clinical excellence, patient experience and workforce engagement. The company works with more than 41,000 healthcare facilities in its mission to reduce patient suffering and enhance caregiver resilience to improve the overall safety, quality and experience of care. Press Ganey is a PG Forsta company.

Baptist Cancer Center provides world-class cancer care close to home throughout Baptist Memorial Health Care’s tristate service area of Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee. The center takes an interdisciplinary approach to patient care and offers treatment, research, support services, community education and the area's first genetic counseling and testing program for cancer. In addition, Baptist Cancer Center has the Mid-South's first adult myelosuppression unit, which provides specialized care for patients who have received chemotherapy that interferes with blood cell production or stops bone marrow activity. In 2021, Baptist Cancer Center launched a multifaceted initiative called the Mid-South Miracle aimed at reducing lung cancer deaths in the Mid-South 25% by 2030. For more information, please visit baptistcancercenter.com or follow us on Facebook.

This award recognizes hospitals that perform in the top 5% of health care organizations for patient experience, patient or physician engagement or clinical quality performance during a year’s time.

“Baptist Medical Group-Jackson is honored to receive this recognition from Press Ganey, as it demonstrates our team’s commitment to providing high-quality care to our patients and community,” said Brad Beattie, COO of Mississippi Baptist Medical Center and Baptist Medical Group-Jackson.

Press Ganey, the leading Human Experience (HX) healthcare performance improvement company, offers an integrated suite of solutions that address safety, clinical excellence, patient experience and workforce engagement. The company works with more than 41,000 healthcare facilities in its mission to reduce patient suffering and enhance caregiver resilience to improve the overall safety, quality and experience of care. Press Ganey is a PG Forsta company.

In 2022, Mississippi Baptist Medical Center was named the No. 1 Hospital in Mississippi by U.S. News & World Report for the fourth year in a row. The hospital was also recognized with the Platinum Performance Achievement Award by the American College of Cardiology for its care for heart attack patients and earned an “A” rating from Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade.

This award recognizes hospitals that perform in the top 5% of health care organizations for patient experience, patient or physician engagement or clinical quality performance during a year’s time.

“We’re honored to receive this award from Press Ganey and appreciate our health care team for their continued dedication to our patients and community,” said Allison Bosse, CEO and administrator of Baptist Women’s Hospital.

Press Ganey, the leading Human Experience (HX) healthcare performance improvement company, offers an integrated suite of solutions that address safety, clinical excellence, patient experience and workforce engagement. The company works with more than 41,000 healthcare facilities in its mission to reduce patient suffering and enhance caregiver resilience to improve the overall safety, quality and experience of care. Press Ganey is a PG Forsta company.

Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women is the only freestanding women’s hospital in Memphis and offers labor and delivery, gynecological surgery, a newborn intensive care unit and a comprehensive breast program. Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women is also the regional referral center for high-risk pregnancies, mammography, minimally invasive surgeries, outpatient diagnostics and urogynecology.

This award recognizes hospitals that perform in the top 5% of health care organizations for patient experience, patient or physician engagement or clinical quality performance during a year’s time.

“Baptist Union County is honored to receive this award, which is a result of our team’s hard work and dedication to our patients,” said James Grantham, CEO and administrator of Baptist Union County.

Press Ganey, the leading Human Experience (HX) healthcare performance improvement company, offers an integrated suite of solutions that address safety, clinical excellence, patient experience and workforce engagement. The company works with more than 41,000 healthcare facilities in its mission to reduce patient suffering and enhance caregiver resilience to improve the overall safety, quality and experience of care. Press Ganey is a PG Forsta company.

Baptist Union County offers a variety of services, including adult and pediatric inpatient care, a sleep lab, maternity, surgery, a 24-hour emergency department and diagnostics. The hospital also has PET/CT scans, 3D mammography, telemedicine services and an eICU. Baptist Union County has an excellent reputation for providing quality care and recently earned an “A” Safety Grade from the Leapfrog Group and Outstanding Patient Experience and Patient Safety Excellence awards from Healthgrades. For more information about Baptist Union County, please call 662-538-7631 or visit www.baptistonline.org/locations/union-county.

This award recognizes hospitals that perform in the top 5% of health care organizations for patient experience, patient or physician engagement or clinical quality performance during a year’s time.

“Baptist Attala is thrilled to receive this recognition from Press Ganey,” said Robert Coleman, CEO and administrator of Baptist Attala. “We have a great team of health care workers, and this recognition highlights their hard work and dedication to providing our patients with high-quality health care.”

Press Ganey, the leading Human Experience (HX) healthcare performance improvement company, offers an integrated suite of solutions that address safety, clinical excellence, patient experience and workforce engagement. The company works with more than 41,000 healthcare facilities in its mission to reduce patient suffering and enhance caregiver resilience to improve the overall safety, quality and experience of care. Press Ganey is a PG Forsta company.

Baptist Memorial Hospital-Attala is a 25-bed community hospital serving the Attala County community and surrounding areas. Baptist Attala provides specialty services, including Senior Life Solutions Intensive Outpatient Program, a wide range of outpatient specialty services, a 24-hour emergency department and an on-site primary care clinic. For more information, please call 662-289-4311 or visit https://www.baptistonline.org/locations/attala.

This award recognizes hospitals and clinics that perform in the top 5% of health care organizations for patient experience, patient or physician engagement or clinical quality performance during a year’s time.

“This is a great recognition for the Oxford Diagnostic Center – North Mississippi Imaging Center,” said Bill Henning, CEO and administrator of Baptist North Mississippi. “It is a clear indication of the clinic’s commitment to providing a great experience and quality care for patients.”

Press Ganey, the leading Human Experience (HX) healthcare performance improvement company, offers an integrated suite of solutions that address safety, clinical excellence, patient experience and workforce engagement. The company works with more than 41,000 healthcare facilities in its mission to reduce patient suffering and enhance caregiver resilience to improve the overall safety, quality and experience of care. Press Ganey is a PG Forsta company.

Baptist North Mississippi is a 217-bed hospital in Oxford, Mississippi, that offers a variety of services including cardiovascular surgery, neurosurgery, home care and hospice and a 24-hour emergency room. In November 2017, the hospital moved into a five-story, 600,000-square-foot-facility that offers expanded services, including a larger emergency department; advanced technology; and larger rooms for patients and their families. Since the hospital became affiliated with the Baptist system in 1989, Baptist has invested almost $700 million into the community. For more information, please call 662-636-1000 or visit northmiss.baptistonline.org.

The Commission on Cancer is a consortium of professional organizations dedicated to improving survival and quality of life for patients with cancer by setting and raising standards. Commission on Cancer promotes cancer prevention, research, education and monitoring of comprehensive quality care. Commission on Cancer-accredited programs undergo an on-site visit to review documentation for compliance with set standards on a triennial basis.

“We are thrilled to be granted the elite Integrated Network Accreditation by the American College of Surgeons,” said Ann Bishop, system administrator of Baptist Cancer Center. “This accreditation takes years of programmatic development, physician and administrative leadership and impeccable patient-centered care. This award demonstrates exceptional cancer care is provided at all of our locations across Baptist.”

The Commission on Cancer accreditation program provides the framework for Baptist Cancer Center to improve quality of patient care through various cancer-related programs that focus on the full spectrum of cancer care, including prevention, early diagnosis, cancer staging, optimal treatment, rehabilitation, life-long follow-up for recurrent disease and end-of-life care. When patients receive care at a Baptist Cancer Center facility, they also have access to information on clinical trials and new treatments, genetic counseling and patient-centered services, including psychosocial support, a patient navigation process and a survivorship care plan that seeks to improve cancer survivors’ quality of life.

Baptist Cancer Center maintains a cancer registry and contributes data to the National Cancer Database, a joint program of the Commission on Cancer and the American Cancer Society. This nationwide oncology outcomes database is the largest clinical disease registry in the world.

The Commission on Cancer was established in 1922 by the American College of Surgeons. Its membership includes Fellows of the American College of Surgeons. To earn voluntary Commission on Cancer accreditation, a cancer program must meet 34 quality care standards, be evaluated every three years through a survey process and maintain levels of excellence in the delivery of comprehensive patient-centered care. For more information, visit www.facs.org/cancer.

Baptist Cancer Center provides world-class cancer care close to home throughout Baptist Memorial Health Care’s tristate service area of Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee. The center takes an interdisciplinary approach to patient care and offers treatment, research, support services, community education and the area's first genetic counseling and testing program for cancer. In addition, Baptist Cancer Center has the Mid-South's first adult myelosuppression unit, which provides specialized care for patients who have received chemotherapy that interferes with blood cell production or stops bone marrow activity. In 2019, Baptist Cancer Center was awarded a second $9 million research grant from the National Cancer Institute to continue building out its clinical research infrastructure to expand lifesaving, leading-edge treatment across the Mid-South, including overcoming disparities in cancer care under the Minority-Underserved NCI Community Oncology Research Program, known as NCORP. In 2021, Baptist Cancer Center launched a multifaceted initiative called the Mid-South Miracle aimed at reducing lung cancer deaths in the Mid-South 25% by 2030. For more information, please visit baptistcancercenter.com or follow us on Facebook.

This national distinction celebrates the hospital’s achievements in protecting patients from preventable harm and errors.

“Baptist Booneville is honored to be recognized as a Top Rural Hospital by the LeapFrog Group,” said James Grantham, CEO and administrator at Baptist Booneville. “It demonstrates the excellence of our team members and their commitment to Prentiss County residents.”

The Leapfrog Group is an independent national watchdog organization with a 10-year history of assigning letter grades to general hospitals throughout the United States, based on a hospital’s ability to prevent medical errors and harm to patients. The grading system is peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public. Hospital Safety Grade results are based on more than 30 national performance measures and are updated each fall and spring.

“I applaud the hospital leadership and workforce for their strong commitment to safety and transparency,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “An ‘A’ Safety Grade is a sign that hospitals are continuously evaluating their performance, so that they can best protect patients. Baptist Booneville’s team should be extremely proud of their dedication and achievement.”

To see Baptist Booneville’s full grade details and to access patient tips for staying safe in the hospital, visit HospitalSafetyGrade.org.

Founded in 2000 by large employers and other purchasers, The Leapfrog Group is a national nonprofit organization driving a movement for giant leaps for patient safety. The flagship Leapfrog Hospital Survey and new Leapfrog Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) Survey collect and transparently report hospital and ASC performance, empowering purchasers to find the highest valued care and giving consumers the lifesaving information they need to make informed decisions. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, Leapfrog's other main initiative, assigns letter grades to hospitals based on their record of patient safety, helping consumers protect themselves and their families from errors, injuries, accidents and infections. For more, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and sign up for our newsletter.

Baptist Booneville offers general surgery, diagnostic services, critical care and other acute care services. The hospital operates one of the few geriatric psychiatric units in the area, as well as an Intensive Outpatient Behavioral Health Unit and Sleep Disorders Lab. It also features a specialty clinic that includes ophthalmology and orthopedic services. For more information, please call 662-720-5000 or visit www.baptistonline.org/locations/booneville.

This national distinction celebrates the hospital’s achievements in protecting patients from preventable harm and errors.

“Baptist Union City is honored to receive this ‘A’ rating from LeapFrog, and I am grateful to our dedicated team for providing such great care to our patients,” said Skipper Bondurant, CEO and administrator at Baptist Union City.

The Leapfrog Group is an independent national watchdog organization with a 10-year history of assigning letter grades to general hospitals throughout the United States, based on a hospital’s ability to prevent medical errors and harm to patients. The grading system is peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public. Hospital Safety Grade results are based on more than 30 national performance measures and are updated each fall and spring.

“I applaud Baptist Union City’s leadership and workforce for their strong commitment to safety and transparency,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “An ‘A’ Safety Grade is a sign that hospitals are continuously evaluating their performance, so that they can best protect patients. This hospital team should be extremely proud of their dedication and achievement.”

To see Baptist Union City's full grade details and to access tips for staying safe in the hospital, visit HospitalSafetyGrade.org.

Founded in 2000 by large employers and other purchasers, The Leapfrog Group is a national nonprofit organization driving a movement for giant leaps for patient safety. The flagship Leapfrog Hospital Survey and new Leapfrog Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) Survey collect and transparently report hospital and ASC performance, empowering purchasers to find the highest value care and giving consumers the lifesaving information they need to make informed decisions. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, Leapfrog's other main initiative, assigns letter grades to hospitals based on their record of patient safety, helping consumers protect themselves and their families from errors, injuries, accidents and infections. For more, follow us on Twitter and Facebook, and sign up for our newsletter.

Baptist Memorial Hospital-Union City, formerly Obion County General Hospital, became affiliated with Baptist Memorial Health Care in 1982. The 137-bed licensed facility is located in the northwest corner of Tennessee, just south of the Kentucky border. Medical services include inpatient and outpatient surgery, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, coronary intensive care, cancer treatment, sleep disorders center, a 24-hour emergency room, telemedicine, imaging and laboratory services. The hospital also offers labor and delivery services and delivers the most babies in the area as part of the largest maternity and women’s health care facility in Northwest Tennessee. With advanced medical technology and world-class care, Baptist Union City is the recipient of many awards and accolades, including the QUEST Award for High-Value Healthcare from Premier Inc., the Quest Hero Award and an “A” rating for Safety from The Leapfrog Group. Go to https://www.baptistonline.org/locations/union-city or follow us on Facebook for more information.

This national distinction celebrates the hospital’s achievements in protecting patients from preventable harm and errors.

“Mississippi Baptist Medical Center is honored to receive this ‘A’ rating from LeapFrog, as it demonstrates our team’s commitment to providing high quality care to our patients and community,” said Bobbie Ware, CEO and administrator of Mississippi Baptist Medical Center.

The Leapfrog Group is an independent national watchdog organization with a 10-year history of assigning letter grades to general hospitals throughout the United States, based on a hospital’s ability to prevent medical errors and harm to patients. The grading system is peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public. Hospital Safety Grade results are based on more than 30 national performance measures and are updated each fall and spring.

“I applaud Mississippi Baptist Medical Center’s leadership and workforce for their strong commitment to safety and transparency,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “An ‘A’ Safety Grade is a sign that hospitals are continuously evaluating their performance, so that they can best protect patients. This hospital team should be extremely proud of their dedication and achievement.”

To see Mississippi Baptist Medical Center’s full grade details and to access tips for staying safe in the hospital, visit HospitalSafetyGrade.org.

Founded in 2000 by large employers and other purchasers, The Leapfrog Group is a national nonprofit organization driving a movement for giant leaps for patient safety. The flagship Leapfrog Hospital Survey and new Leapfrog Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) Survey collect and transparently report hospital and ASC performance, empowering purchasers to find the highest value care and giving consumers the lifesaving information they need to make informed decisions. The Leapfrog Hospital Grade, Leapfrog's other main initiative, assigns letter grades to hospitals based on their record of patient safety, helping consumers protect themselves and their families from errors, injuries, accidents and infections. For more, follow us on Twitter and Facebook, and sign up for our newsletter.

In 2022, U.S. News & World Report named Mississippi Baptist Medical Center the No. 1 Hospital in Mississippi for the third year in a row. The hospital was also recognized with the Platinum Performance Achievement Award by the American College of Cardiology for its treatment of heart attack patients and earned an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from Leapfrog Group. Mississippi Baptist Health Systems signed a shared mission agreement with Baptist Memorial Health Care in May 2017, making Baptist Memorial Mississippi’s fourth largest employer and the largest health care system in the state. Baptist Memorial is headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, and is the largest not-for-profit health care provider in the Mid-South with hospitals in Arkansas, Tennessee and Mississippi.

This national distinction celebrates the hospital’s achievements in protecting patients from preventable harm and errors.

“NEA Baptist is honored to receive this ‘A’ rating from LeapFrog because it demonstrates our team’s commitment to providing high-quality care to our patients and community,” said Sam Lynd, CEO and administrator of NEA Baptist. “It’s a unique honor for us as NEA Baptist is the only Arkansas hospital east of Little Rock to earn an ‘A’ rating from Leapfrog.”

The Leapfrog Group is an independent national watchdog organization with a 10-year history of assigning letter grades to general hospitals throughout the United States, based on a hospital’s ability to prevent medical errors and harm to patients. The grading system is peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public. Hospital Safety Grade results are based on more than 30 national performance measures and are updated each fall and spring.

“I applaud NEA Baptist’s leadership and workforce for their strong commitment to safety and transparency,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “An ‘A’ Safety Grade is a sign that hospitals are continuously evaluating their performance, so that they can best protect patients. This hospital team should be extremely proud of their dedication and achievement.”

To see NEA Baptist’s full grade details and to access tips for staying safe in the hospital, visit HospitalSafetyGrade.org.

Founded in 2000 by large employers and other purchasers, The Leapfrog Group is a national nonprofit organization driving a movement for giant leaps for patient safety. The flagship Leapfrog Hospital Survey and new Leapfrog Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) Survey collect and transparently report hospital and ASC performance, empowering purchasers to find the highest value care and giving consumers the lifesaving information they need to make informed decisions. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, Leapfrog's other main initiative, assigns letter grades to hospitals based on their record of patient safety, helping consumers protect themselves and their families from errors, injuries, accidents and infections. For more, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and sign up for our newsletter.

NEA Baptist Health System comprises NEA Baptist Clinic, NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital and NEA Baptist Fowler Family Center for Cancer Care. The 228-bed hospital offers cancer care, heart care through the Heart Center, labor and delivery services through the hospital’s Women’s Center, as well as a number of inpatient and outpatient services, emergency care, and surgical services, such as weight loss surgery, neurology, respiratory care and pulmonary rehabilitation. NEA Baptist Clinic has more than 110 physicians practicing in over 35 specialties and offering a wealth of services, from pediatrics to orthopedics. For more information about NEA Baptist, please call 870-936-1000 or visit www.baptistonline.org/locations/nea.