Kearney County Health Services, a committed healthcare provider in Minden, NE is proud to announce that it has been awarded a prestigious 5 star rating by the National Rural Rating System (NRRS), a program recognizing dedication and excellence in rural healthcare, as well as being named to the National Rural Honor Roll.
This esteemed designation is a testament to KCHS’s dedication to delivering high-quality care and exceptional patient experiences. The NRRS evaluates hospitals based on rigorous standards, including patient satisfaction, quality of care, and overall hospital performance.
“Every opportunity we are given to take care of those in need, we do so in pursuit of excellence with each patient experience,” says Luke Poore, CEO of Kearney County Health Services. “This award is a testament to that commitment and dedication by our staff, ensuring that both patient experience and outcomes are at the highest level in our delivery of care. It takes a village to take care of a village, and from clinic, to hospital, to our volunteer emergency medical services, it is that approach that drives successes such as this.”
The 5 star rating reflects Kearney County Health Service’s ongoing commitment to meet the unique healthcare needs of the rural community it serves. This recognition highlights the hospital’s success in providing outstanding medical services, despite the challenges often faced by rural healthcare facilities.
The 2025 National Rural Honor Roll honorees, announced each November, include rural hospitals that have met the highest standards for patient experience, based on cumulative ratings submitted by October 31, 2024. This annual recognition reinforces NRHA’s commitment to supporting and uplifting rural health care facilities as pillars of their communities.
“These awards really shine a spotlight on the heart and hard work that our rural hospitals bring to their communities,” says Brock Slabach, COO of the National Rural Health Association. “Rural healthcare comes with unique challenges, and reaching this level of excellence shows not only the clinical expertise but also the deep commitment these hospitals have to the people they serve. This recognition celebrates rural healthcare as a source of strength, compassion, and healing—right where it’s needed most.”
KCHS extends its heartfelt thanks to its dedicated team of healthcare professionals, whose tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to patient care have made this achievement possible.
Kearney County Health Services (KCHS) is a dedicated healthcare provider in Minden, NE, committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care. Our mission is to enhance the health and well-being of our community by providing comprehensive medical services with compassion and excellence. KCHS offers a range of essential healthcare services, including primary care, emergency medicine, rehabilitation therapies, surgical procedures, and specialty care. As a cornerstone of rural healthcare, we strive to meet the unique needs of our patients while maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety.
The 5 Star Rating System ranks rural and critical access hospitals – with five stars being the top ranking and one star being the lowest. The Star Ratings are like the CMS Stars, which allow hospitals/clinics to promote their success and are used as high-quality recognitions. Most small and rural hospitals (60%) do not qualify because of low number of qualifying inpatients for the CMS Rankings but are held to the same high patient satisfaction criteria. This program recognizes the hard work, and dedication rural and critical access hospitals provide across the country. The rankings will include overnight hospital stays (HCAHPS) and are based on data collected by certified CMS patient satisfaction vendors.
The National Rural Honor Roll was created to honor rural and critical access hospitals and clinics that consistently deliver exceptional healthcare, showcasing them as leaders in patient-centered care within their communities. Facilities included on the Honor Roll receive recognition for their dedication and excellence that sets them apart, demonstrating their commitment to patient well-being.
For more information visit RuralRatings.US.