Compass Memorial Healthcare Named Iowa’s Most Socially Responsible Critical Access Hospital
April, 2026Hospital ranks among the nation’s best for serving patients and the community, according to the Lown Institute, a healthcare think tank
Compass Memorial Healthcare has been recognized by the Lown Institute for outstanding performance, earning the #1 ranking in Iowa for social responsibility, top state rankings, and receiving “A” grades across multiple categories in the 2025-26 Lown Institute Hospitals Index.
Compass Memorial Healthcare (CMH) ranked #1 among 66 critical access hospitals in Iowa and 49th nationally for social responsibility, reflecting strong performance across more than 800 critical access hospitals evaluated nationwide. According to the Index, CMH also ranked Top 5 in Iowa in Patient Outcomes and Inclusivity metrics and received “A” ratings in Health Equity, Patient Outcomes, Clinical Outcomes, Patient Satisfaction, Inclusivity, Pay Equity, and Avoiding Overuse. The Lown Institute Hospitals Index is an independent assessment, and hospitals do not apply or pay to be included.
“This recognition as Iowa’s #1 hospital in social responsibility confirms that our focus on people, quality, and accountability is making a meaningful difference. It motivates us to continue raising the bar to serve our communities at the highest level."
Barry Goettsch, Chief Executive Officer
The Social Responsibility Award is decided based on three key areas: equity, which includes community benefit and pay equity; value, which includes avoiding overuse and ensuring cost efficiency; and lastly, outcomes, which encompass positive clinical outcomes, patient satisfaction, and patient safety.
“At Compass Memorial we prioritize each category within the award and make a daily effort to take care of our team members and our communities, remain financially responsible, and ensure our patients come first and receive the utmost care they deserve,” says Goettsch.
"Hospitals are facing unprecedented political and financial challenges. In this uncertain environment, it's more important than ever to support the socially responsible hospitals who are delivering high-quality care to all in their community."
Vikas Saini, MD, president of the Lown Institute
The Lown Hospitals Index for Social Responsibility is the only ranking to combine metrics of health equity and value of care alongside patient outcomes, for more than 2,700 acute care and 800 critical access hospitals nationwide—offering a holistic view of hospitals as total community partners. In the sixth annual rankings, the 2025-26 Lown Index evaluates hospitals on over 50 measures including novel metrics such as community benefit, avoidance of overuse, and patient outcomes. Data sources include Medicare fee-for-service and Medicare Advantage claims, CMS patient safety data and hospital cost reports, and IRS 990 forms, among others. Full methodology can be found on the Lown Index website in the link below.
The Lown Institute is an independent think tank advocating bold ideas for a just and caring system for health. Learn more in the link below.
