WATERTOWN, S.D. – February 17, 2025 – Prairie Lakes Healthcare System (PLHS) announced it has been named among the 2025 Top 100 Rural & Community Hospitals by the Chartis Center for Rural Health. Chartis’ annual Top 100 award program honors outstanding performance among the nation’s rural hospitals based on the results of the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX®. PLHS has received this award every year since it was introduced in 2016.
“The recognition as a Top 100 Rural & Community Hospital highlights the exceptional care and dedication Prairie Lakes Healthcare System provides to our communities,” said John Allen, President and Chief Executive Officer of PLHS. “Being one of only six hospitals in South Dakota to receive this honor is a testament to the unwavering commitment of our employees and medical staff in delivering high-quality healthcare every day.”
“The Top 100 Rural & Community Hospitals award program elevates the very best performers and helps create a roadmap for those seeking to improve financial and operational performance while continuing to care for the communities they serve,” said Michael Topchik, Executive Director, The Chartis Center for Rural Health. “This is our 10th year recognizing the Top 100 Rural & Community Hospitals and we’re thrilled to be able to celebrate this milestone with this year’s winners.”
The INDEX is the industry’s most comprehensive and objective assessment of rural hospital performance. Leveraging publicly available data, the INDEX is utilized nationwide by rural hospitals, health systems with rural affiliates, hospital associations, and state offices of rural health to measure and monitor performance across a variety of areas impacting hospital operations and finance.
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About Prairie Lakes Healthcare System
Located in Watertown, S.D., Prairie Lakes Healthcare System is an independent healthcare organization that provides care for 90,000 people in a ten-county region of northeast South Dakota and western Minnesota. The system is focused on meeting the needs of the region with a mission to make a positive difference in the health of the patients and communities they serve. Prairie Lakes Healthcare System offers close to 30 medical services/specialties with over 800 professionals, physicians, and caregivers on staff to serve their rural communities.