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MLHS Named a Top 20 Critical Access Hospital in the Nation
July 7, 2026
Mille Lacs Health System has been recognized as one of the nation's highest-performing rural hospitals. The National Rural Health Association (NRHA) has named Mille Lacs Health System (MLHS) one of the Top 20 Critical Access Hospitals in the United States, based on performance data compiled by The Chartis Center for Rural Health.
The Top 20 designation recognizes hospitals that demonstrate exceptional performance across a broad range of measures, including quality of care, patient outcomes, patient experience, financial performance, and market performance. Selected from the Top 100 Critical Access Hospitals nationwide, the honor places MLHS among the highest-performing rural hospitals in the country.
"This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our entire team and their continued commitment to improving patient care," said Andy Knutson, CEO of Mille Lacs Health System. "Every member of our organization plays a role in this achievement, and I couldn't be more proud of the exceptional care our team provides to our patients and communities every day."
Mille Lacs Health System provides comprehensive healthcare through its Critical Access Hospital in Onamia, family medicine clinics in Onamia, Isle, Hillman, Garrison, and Milaca, along with emergency care, rehabilitation, retail pharmacies, surgery, pain management, rheumatology, mental health care, and many other specialties. This broad range of care allows patients throughout the region to receive high-quality healthcare close to home.
The Top 20 hospitals are selected from the Chartis Top 100 Critical Access Hospitals, an annual list that recognizes outstanding performance among rural hospitals nationwide. The Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX® evaluates hospitals using publicly available data across 36 performance indicators grouped into eight pillars, providing one of the most comprehensive and objective assessments of rural hospital performance in the country.
Critical Access Hospitals play a vital role in ensuring rural communities have access to essential healthcare services. This national recognition reflects the dedication of the entire MLHS team and its ongoing commitment to clinical excellence, patient-centered care, and serving the healthcare needs of the region.