Southern New Hampshire Medical Center Ranked #1 Hospital in N.H. for Social Responsibility

Southern New Hampshire Health, a nonprofit health system, announced its Medical Center has been ranked the #1 hospital in New Hampshire for social responsibility by the Lown Institute Hospitals Index, a Massachusetts-based, independent healthcare think tank.

Southern NH Medical Center ranked first among 13 acute care hospitals in New Hampshire and 495^th nationally out of more than 2,700 hospitals evaluated for social responsibility, earning “A” grades across categories, including Value of Care, Patient Outcomes, Clinical Outcomes, Inclusivity, and Avoiding Overuse. Hospitals do not apply or pay to be included in the Index.

“This recognition highlights our commitment to delivering equitable, patient-centered care while investing in the health of our community,” said Rebecca Cooper-Piela, Chief Quality Officer of Southern NH Health. “Being ranked #1 in New Hampshire for social responsibility reflects the dedication of our caregivers and community partners, who work side by side to improve access, address local needs, and support improved outcomes for patients. This work is grounded in the understanding that community health is a shared responsibility.”

Southern New Hampshire Medical Center advances care across southern New Hampshire through education, outreach, and strong community partnerships. The Medical Center collaborates with city and state officials, as well as community organizations, to address priorities identified through its Community Health Needs Assessment, including initiatives focused on food insecurity, substance use disorder, maternal health, and chronic disease management.

“Hospitals are facing unprecedented political and financial challenges,” said Vikas Saini, MD, president of the Lown Institute. “In this uncertain environment, it's more important than ever to support the socially responsible hospitals who are delivering high-quality care to all in their community.”

The Lown Hospitals Index for Social Responsibility Report is the only hospital ranking that combines measures of health equity and value of care alongside patient outcomes for more than 2,700 acute care and 800 critical access hospitals nationwide. In the 6^th annual rankings, the 2025-26 Lown Index evaluates hospitals on over 50 measures, including metrics such as community benefit, racial inclusivity, and avoidance of overuse. The report draws from data sources that include Medicare fee-for-service and Medicare Advantage claims, CMS patient safety reports, hospital cost reports, and IRS filings.

Through coordinated care and a shared medical record across the health system, Southern NH Health helps ensure patients receive timely, coordinated care that aligns with their needs, while reducing duplication and improving outcomes. That commitment is reinforced through investments in workforce development, including staff training and career growth programs, internship and clinical residency opportunities, supporting a strong, inclusive workforce that reflects the community’s needs.

Past #1 NH hospitals for social responsibility in the Lown Institute Hospitals Index: Concord Hospital (2024), Wentworth-Douglas Hospital (2023), Monadnock Community Hospital (2022) & Concord Hospital – Laconia (2021).