Adventist Health Ukiah Valley Earns Top Marks for Social Responsibility
8 July 2024 |
Adventist Health Ukiah Valley has been awarded top marks for social responsibility in the 2024-2025 Lown Institute Hospitals Index, recognizing its performance across health equity, value of care, and patient outcomes. This recognition places the hospital among the most socially responsible facilities nationwide, according to the Needham, Massachusetts-based Lown Institute.
The independent think tank ranked Adventist Health Ukiah Valley as the most socially responsible hospital in California and fourth nationally among more than 3,500 hospitals evaluated. The rankings, released on June 25, highlighted the 78-bed facility’s outstanding service in a community without many resources.
Dave Leighton, the administrator for Adventist Health Ukiah Valley, emphasized the significance of the accolade in a statement released on June 27. “Being in a rural community with limited resources, we are our community’s safety net,” Leighton said. “This recognition is a testament to our team’s efforts to improve on these metrics by responding to our community’s needs, even beyond the four walls of our hospitals and clinics.”
The Lown Institute Hospitals Index is distinct in its incorporation of equity metrics, such as racial inclusivity and pay equity, alongside traditional measures of hospital performance. This year’s index also introduced separate rankings for 806 critical access hospitals and emphasized the importance of equity in its assessments.
Nationally, the Index named 154 “Honor Roll” hospitals, which represent the highest achievers in equity, value, and outcomes among 2,784 acute care hospitals. Other notable hospitals included Duke Regional Hospital, Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Pflugerville, and UCHealth Greeley Hospital, all praised for their high-quality care accessible to all community members.
Dr. Vikas Saini, president of the Lown Institute, reiterated the essential role of socially responsible hospitals. “Great care is only great if everyone can access it,” Dr. Saini stated. “Socially responsible hospitals are trusted to provide high-quality care to all, and their success directly improves the health and economic stability of their communities.”
The full press release from Lown Institute can be read here.