UNC Health Chatham Earns National Recognition from Lown Institute

Critical Access Hospital earns Honor Roll distinction for the second consecutive year and ranks #1 in North Carolina for delivering health equity and high value care across five key categories.

UNC Health Chatham has once again been recognized among the nation’s most socially responsible hospitals, earning an Honor Roll spot on the 2026 Lown Institute Hospitals Index for a second consecutive year.

Only 160 out of more than 3,600 U.S. hospitals of all sizes achieved this status by earning top grades across measures of health equity, value, and outcomes. And, out of more than 900 critical access hospitals (CAHs) evaluated nationwide, only 37 achieved Honor Roll distinction, placing UNC Health Chatham among an elite group of top-performing hospitals committed to delivering exceptional, equitable and high-value care.

UNC Health Chatham received “A” grades across all four major categories evaluated by the Lown Institute, including Social Responsibility, Health Equity, Value of Care, and Patient Outcomes—highlighting the organization’s strong performance in delivering high-quality care while prioritizing community well-being.

Among its most notable achievements:

• Top 10 in the Nation for Social Responsibility (Critical Access Hospitals)
• #1 in North Carolina for Social Responsibility (CAH)
• #1 in North Carolina for Value of Care (CAH)
• #1 in North Carolina for Patient Outcomes (CAH)
• #1 in North Carolina for Avoiding Overuse (CAH)
• #1 in North Carolina for Cost Efficiency (CAH)

Additionally, UNC Health Chatham earned “A” grades across numerous individual performance metrics.

“These recognitions are a testament to the dedication of our entire team and their commitment to providing compassionate, high-quality care to every patient we serve across Chatham County and our surrounding communities,” said Jeff Strickler, president of UNC Health Chatham. “Being recognized nationally—and leading the state in so many key areas—reflects our focus on doing what is right for our patients and our community every day.”

The Lown Hospitals Index for Social Responsibility 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.

“Honor Roll status is earned by hospitals meeting the highest standards across the breadth of our metrics,” said Vikas Saini, MD, president of the Lown Institute. “They aren’t just clinically excellent, they're deeply committed to the communities they serve and work hard to ensure all patients get the care they need.”

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About UNC Health Chatham: UNC Health Chatham is a 25-bed Critical Access Hospital located in Siler City, NC. that is part of the UNC Health System. With a long history of providing high quality health care to the residents of Chatham and surrounding counties, UNC Health Chatham has received multiple five-star ratings for patient experience from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

The hospital, accredited by The Joint Commission, provides surgical, medical, pediatric, maternity and emergency services. Community based outpatient services in the area of Diabetes Education, Laboratory, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Imaging, Cardiac Rehabilitation and Pulmonary Rehabilitation are also offered. More information about UNC Health Chatham may be found at chathamhospital.org. 

About the Lown Institute: The Lown Institute is an independent think tank advocating bold ideas for a just and caring system for health. We envision a healthcare system focused on what’s best for people, like hospitals caring for those most in need, patients living without fear of financial distress, and health professionals finding joy in their roles. The Lown Hospitals Index is a signature project of the Institute.