Saint Joseph Medical Center Honored for Excellence in Clinical Outcomes Community Benefit, Health Equity and Inclusivity
Lown Institute “A” grades honor the best hospitals recognizing exceptional clinical care, deep commitment to community and doing more of what matters to patients
Joliet, Ill. (July 23, 2026) — Saint Joseph Medical Center, a member of Prime Healthcare, one of the nation’s largest health systems, has earned “A” grades in Clinical Outcomes, Community Benefit, Health Equity, and Inclusivity on the 2026 Lown Institute Hospitals Index for Social Responsibility.
The Lown Index is the only national ranking that evaluates thousands of hospitals on measures of social responsibility, including health equity, value of care, and patient outcomes. It examines how equitably care is delivered, how well hospitals invest in their communities, and whether patients receive high-value care that avoids unnecessary procedures, as well as clinical outcomes.
Earning “A” grades from the Lown Institute in Health Equity, Community Benefit, Inclusivity, and Clinical Outcomes recognizes Saint Joseph Medical Center’s commitment to clinical excellence and community, underscoring investment in programs and services that ensure outstanding clinical outcomes, expand equitable access to care, and foster a culture that values dignity, fairness, and respect for every staff member and patient.
“The best hospitals aren’t just clinically excellent, they’re deeply committed to the communities they serve and work hard to ensure all patients get the care they need,” said Vikas Saini, MD, president of the Lown Institute. “High performance on the Lown Index shows that hospitals are doing more of what matters to patients and communities.”
Saint Joseph Medical Center’s Lown Index recognition adds to Saint Joseph’s growing list of national honors; including earning High Performing by U.S. News & World Report and recognition from Healthgrades for clinical excellence and quality care.
“Every day, our focus is on delivering exceptional care that improves the health and well-being of the communities we serve,” said Leonard Freeof, CEO of Saint Joseph Medical Center. “Recognition from the Lown Institute for Clinical Outcomes, Community Benefit, Health Equity, and Inclusivity honors our physicians, nurses, clinicians, and staff who deliver outstanding clinical care and reflects our dedication to community, ensuring clinical quality, creating a welcoming environment where every patient feels respected and expanding access to the care that matters to patients and families.”
As healthcare needs continue to evolve and hospitals across Illinois face significant challenges, St. Joseph remains committed to delivering exceptional patient outcomes and expanding access to care through continued investment in specialized services that address the community’s greatest healthcare needs. These investments include expanding services for older adults and seniors, strengthening behavioral health programs, advancing neurosurgical and spine care, developing a new ambulatory surgery center, and investing in the latest technologies and equipment to enhance stroke care, cardiovascular services, and cancer care. The hospital’s recent expansion of geriatric emergency care achieved Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation (GEDA) certification by the American College of Emergency Physicians.
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