JCH&L Earns Top Marks on Lown Institute Rankings
Jefferson Community Health & Life recognized for delivering health equity and high value care in addition to great clinical outcomes
FAIRBURY, Neb. — Jefferson Community Health & Life has earned an “A” grade on the 2026 Lown Hospitals Index for social responsibility, health equity, inclusivity and avoiding overuse, placing it among the top hospitals nationally for overall commitment to health equity, value, and outcomes. JCH&L was also among the top Critical Access Hospitals in Nebraska for Health Equity and Community Benefit.
The Lown Hospitals Index is the only national ranking that examines how equitably care is delivered, how well hospitals invest in their communities, and whether patients receive high-value care that avoids unnecessary procedures, in addition to traditional measures like clinical outcomes and patient safety. More than 50 metrics contribute to a hospital’s overall score.
“Jefferson Community Health & Life strives daily to provide exceptional care to every person, every time. High ratings from the Lown Institute rankings encourages us that we are accomplishing many of our goals for care and service,” said Holly Wolff, JCH&L CEO.
The areas where JCH&L has been recognized include:
- Social Responsibility – A top grade recognizes a hospital’s outstanding commitment to health equity, value of care, and patient outcomes.
- Health Equity – Measures hospitals’ inclusivity of patients from low-income areas and communities of color, their community benefit spending, and their CEO pay relative to housekeeper compensation.
- Community Benefit – A top grade reflects a strong commitment to investing in the community, caring for Medicaid patients, and providing meaningful financial assistance to those who need it.
- Inclusivity – Top scores are for hospitals that serve all patients in its surrounding community who need care, regardless of income, race, and educational level.
- Avoiding Overuse – Hospitals that prevent unnecessary procedures (including unnecessary hysterectomy, coronary stenting, head imaging spinal fusion, and laminectomy) while maintaining high-quality care.
“The Lown Index takes a comprehensive look at who hospitals are—their outcomes, their value, their commitment to community,” said Vikas Saini, MD, president of the Lown Institute. “An ‘A’ in social responsibility means a hospital has met high standards across the board.”
