Saint Joseph Medical Center among best in the nation at serving its patients and community, according to healthcare think tank
(JOLIET, IL) July 10, 2025 – Saint Joseph Medical Center, a member of Prime Healthcare, has earned “A” grades in three categories on the Lown Institute’s 2025–26 Hospitals Index. Saint Joseph’s “A” rated categories are: Pay Equity, Health Equity, and Inclusivity. Out of more than 3,500 hospitals evaluated nationwide, Saint Joseph stands out for its commitment to delivering high-quality, equitable care.
“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 socially responsible hospitals that are delivering high-quality care to all in their community.”
“Our team remains committed to continuously focusing on delivering safe, high quality, equitable care to all those we serve.” said Barbara Martin, Chief Executive Officer at Saint Joseph Medical Center. She added, “Joliet and its surrounding communities are where most of us call home. We put our patients’ care and safety first. We consider the people we serve as are our friends, neighbors – and sometimes family. Collectively, we’re honored to be recognized by the Lown Institute for the efforts this team makes every day.”
Saint Joseph received “A” grades in the following categories:
• Pay Equity – Executive pay ratio compared to non-clinical staff wages
• Health Equity – Cost efficiency and avoidance of low-value care
• Inclusivity – Consistent service across income, race, and education levels
The Lown Hospitals Index for Social Responsibility is the only ranking to combine metrics of health equity and value of care alongside patient outcomes, for more than 2,700 acute care and 800 critical access hospitals nationwide — offering a holistic view of hospitals as total community partners. In the
sixth annual rankings, the 2025-26 Lown Index evaluates hospitals on over 50 measures including novel metrics such as community benefit, racial inclusivity, and avoidance of overuse. Data sources include Medicare fee-for-service and Medicare Advantage claims, CMS patient safety data and hospital cost reports, and IRS 990 forms, among others.
Full methodology can be found on the Lown Index website.
The Lown Institute is an independent think tank advocating bold ideas for a just and caring system for health. Learn more at www.LownHospitalsIndex.org.
ABOUT SAINT JOSEPH MEDICAL CENTER, JOLIET, IL
Saint Joseph Medical Center is a Joint Commission-Accredited 489-bed facility and the leading hospital in the Joliet area, where it offers comprehensive specialty and 24/7 emergency care in a Level II Trauma Center with Emergency Department Approved for Pediatrics (EDAP) designation. Saint Joseph’s is certified as a Comprehensive Stroke Center which excels in neuro and stroke care using the latest imaging and interventional technologies. Its multidisciplinary team provides a continuum of care from diagnosis to treatment for a vast array of neurological disorders beyond those who have suffered a stroke. The care continues in the robust outpatient program that offers neurology, neurosurgery, stroke care and neuro endovascular surgery.
Additionally, Saint Joseph’s provides expertise in cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, and women’s health. It also offers an array of minimally invasive procedures including robotic-assisted surgery that often results in same-day discharges and significantly shorter recovery times. Its OB/GYNs and maternity care specialists provide a personalized birthing experience alongside advanced neonatal care for infants in need.