Jones Memorial Hospital named to the top 20 rural and community hospitals by National Rural Health Association

Jones Memorial Hospital in Wellsville, NY was recently named one of the top 20 rural and community hospitals in the country, following its initial recognition among the nation’s Top 100 Rural & Community Hospitals by The Chartis Center for Rural Health. Jones Memorial Hospital was further distinguished by the National Rural Health Association (NRHA) as one of the Top 20 Rural & Community Hospitals in the United States.

Jim Helms, CEO at Jones Memorial Hospital stated, “Being named among the Top 20 Rural & Community Hospitals in the nation by the NRHA is an incredible moment for the team at Jones Memorial Hospital. This recognition belongs to every physician, nurse, caregiver and staff member who shows up each day committed to excellence and to the neighbors and families we serve. In rural healthcare, resources may be limited, but dedication is not—and this distinction proves that exceptional, nationally recognized care can thrive right here in our community.”

Jones Memorial Hospital Board Chair, Dan Johnson went on to state, “Recognition on the Top 20 list by NRHA reflects not only the outstanding care delivered at Jones Memorial Hospital today, but also the strength and sustainability of the organization for the future. The Board remains deeply committed to supporting strategies that attract and retain talented healthcare professionals, invest in modern facilities and technology, and ensure that high-quality care remains accessible for generations to come. This honor reinforces that our hospital is positioned to continue serving as a vital and enduring resource for the communities of our region.”

The Top 20 designation represents the highest performing hospitals within the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX, the most comprehensive and objective assessment of rural PPS hospital performance, highlighting organizations that demonstrate exceptional performance across several key benchmarks:

• Quality: This pillar focuses on patient safety, and the effectiveness of care provided, including measures like throughput and adherence to best practices.
• Outcomes: This looks at the overall health improvements, readmissions and long-term well-being of patients. • Patient Perspective: This involves patient satisfaction scores and experience, reflecting how patients perceive the care they receive.
• Financial Strength: This assesses the hospital’s economic viability and sustainability, crucial for long-term service in rural areas.
• Market Share: This looks at the hospital’s ability to attract and retain patients within its service area.
• Value: This pillar often combines aspects of quality and cost-effectiveness, evaluating how well the hospital delivers high-quality care efficiently.

“All of UR Medicine, a fully integrated health system, works to serve their communities with the highest quality of care, best outcomes, and highest patient satisfaction,” said University of Rochester Medical Center CEO David Linehan, MD. “Under the leadership of hospital CEO and President Jim Helms, the top 20 designation by the National Rural Health Association reflects the high standards being met by the entire Jones Memorial Hospital team. I applaud them for this achievement, and for providing high-quality care close to home for rural communities across Allegany, Cattaraugus, and Steuben counties.”

For more information, please visit jones.urmc.edu.

Suzanne Male | 3/16/2026