Check out some instant takeaways from Arkansas basketball’s win over Missouri
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Two Mercy hospitals in Arkansas were named among the nation’s top 100 critical access hospitals by The Chartis Center for Rural Health.Mercy Hospital Paris received the honor for the second consecutive year, while Mercy Hospital Berryville was a new addition to the list.The rankings evaluate rural hospitals on metrics like quality of care, patient outcomes, and operational efficiency.Critical access hospitals are small, rural facilities with 25 or fewer inpatient beds that provide vital 24/7 emergency services.
Two Mercy hospitals in Arkansas, including Mercy Hospital Paris, which earned the distinction for the second consecutive year, have been named among the nation’s top rural hospitals, according to new rankings from The Chartis Center for Rural Health.
Mercy Hospital Berryville and Mercy Hospital Paris were both included in “Chartis’ Top 100 Critical Access Hospitals” list for 2026, highlighting their strong performance in quality of care, patient outcomes and operational efficiency among rural health providers nationwide. Two additional Mercy facilities, in Oklahoma and Missouri, also were recognized in Chartis’ Top 100 Rural and Community Hospitals category.
Last March, Mercy Hospital Paris was recognized for the first time in this program, joining a small national cohort of rural hospitals acknowledged for excellence in delivering care in geographically dispersed, medically underserved regions. This year’s honor marks the facility’s and its staff’s continued commitment to high-quality care close to home.
A critical access hospital designation is awarded by Medicare to small rural hospitals that meet specific criteria, including a limit of 25 inpatient beds and around-the-clock emergency services. These hospitals serve as vital care hubs in regions where long travel distances, limited specialist access and health disparities create major challenges for patients and families.
Officials say Chartis’ rankings are based on the “Rural Hospital Performance INDEX,” an annual assessment now in its 16th year that evaluates rural hospitals using publicly available data across clinical, operational, financial and patient experience metrics.
“Rural communities depend on their hospitals for lifesaving care, and we’re proud that Mercy continues to meet that call with excellence,” said Michael Nolewaka, Mercy’s vice president of patient care services. “Being named among the nation’s top rural hospitals, again in Paris and now in Berryville, reflects the dedication of our caregivers and our investment in services that keep patients healthy without forcing them to travel out of the region.”
Tom Guhr, administrator of Mercy Hospital Berryville, echoed that sentiment, noting the award underscores the hospital’s role beyond medical treatment.
“Mercy Hospital Berryville is truly at the heart of our community, not just as a place for health care but for hope and healing,” Guhr said. “Our mission has always been to provide exceptional and compassionate care. Being recognized as a top-performing hospital is thanks to the hard work of our caregivers and their dedication to providing the best care possible to our community.”
Michael Topchik, executive director of The Chartis Center for Rural Health, said rural hospitals face increasing operational complexity.
“This year’s Top 100 Critical Access Hospitals and Top 100 Rural & Community Hospitals have emerged as true leaders who are committed to their mission through a powerful combination of resilience, dedication, and innovation,” Topchik said.
The full list of 2026 award winners in both categories is available on the Chartis Center’s website.