Essentia Health-Fosston Ranked Among Leading Critical Access Hospitals in the U.S.
Underscoring its success navigating increasing challenges facing rural health care, Essentia Health-Fosston is proud to be named a 2026 Top 100 Critical Access Hospital by The Chartis Center for Rural Health.
This recognition places Essentia Health-Fosston among the best-performing critical access hospitals in the nation, which are “committed to their mission through a powerful combination of resilience, dedication, and innovation,” according to Michael Topchik, executive director of The Chartis Center for Rural Health.
“This validates all the hard work we put into ensuring that our patients in Fosston and the nearby towns have 24/7 access to the best health care possible,” said Mike Curtis, administrator at Essentia Health-Fosston. “Our colleagues are passionate about showing up every day to serve their family, friends and neighbors.”
Essentia Health-Fosston offers expert emergency care around the clock, as well as walk-in care six days a week and same-day access for primary care. The hospital provides more than 20 specialty services that are closely aligned to match the needs of the local community and will begin working on a new $12 million emergency department project in April.
“This recognition is a testament to the dedication, compassion and excellence our entire staff brings to our patients,” said Stephanie McKnight, nursing director at Essentia Health-Fosston. “We are committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care close to home. This honor reflects the trust our community places in us.”
Chartis analyzes publicly available data in comparing hospital performance, factoring in metrics like patient outcomes, patient satisfaction, safety and quality care. There are about 1,400 critical access hospitals nationwide.
“The delivery of care within rural communities is more complex today than at any point in recent memory,” Topchik said.
Work will begin next month on a new emergency department at Essentia Health-Fosston. The $12 million project is expected to be complete by early summer 2027.