Athol Hospital of Heywood Healthcare Recognized for Excellence by Chartis Center
Athol Hospital has been recognized by the Chartis Center for Rural Health for Performance Leadership. Of the 100 hospitals on the list for 2025, CLICK HERE, Athol Memorial Hospital is the only hospital in Massachusetts on the Performance Leadership Award list. Baystate Franklin Medical Center in Greenfield was recognized on the list of the top 100 Rural and Community Hospitals for 2025. For reference, here is the Chartis website, CLICK HERE. View the complete Press Release from Heywood Healthcare announcing this recognition, CLICK HERE.
Heywood Healthcare stated in a Press Release: “Athol Hospital proudly announces that we received the 2025 Performance Leadership Award for excellence in Outcomes. Compiled by The Chartis Center for Rural Health, the Performance Leadership Awards program recognizes rural hospitals performing in the top quartile nationwide in Quality, Outcomes, and Patient Perspective.
The award is based on findings from the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX®, a trusted and comprehensive framework widely used to benchmark performance across all rural hospitals, health systems, hospital associations, and state offices of rural health in the United States.
“This recognition is a testament to the dedication and expertise of the entire Athol Hospital team,” said Rozanna Penny, President and CEO of Heywood Healthcare. “Every day, our employees and medical staff demonstrate an unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality care and improving outcomes for the patients and families of our region. We are honored to be recognized among
e nation’s top rural hospitals and remain focused on strengthening the health of our community.”
Athol and Heywood Hospitals, as well as all inpatient and outpatient Heywood Healthcare diagnostic and treatment services, are fully operational and open. Our patients can continue to rely on the quality, safety, and compassionate care that define our organization.
This national recognition affirms the exceptional work of our clinicians, staff, and community partners. Their dedication to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care is reflected in this national acknowledgment of our strong outcomes and commitment to our rural communities.”
Gardner Magazine has a “Deep Dive” with the Chair Man and the Chair Lady discussing the award and why this is such a HUGE win. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.


