Columbus, GA (June 12, 2026) – St. Francis–Emory Healthcare has been named one of 100 hospitals included in Becker’s Hospital Review’s 2026 listing of “Great Community Hospitals,” recently released. St. Francis–Emory is one of a select group of hospitals nationwide recognized for excellence in community‑based care.

Hospitals recognized in the listing, per Becker’s, are “dedicated to clinical excellence, academic advancement, and personalized, whole person care delivery. Their mission is to elevate health outcomes within the communities they serve.”

“We are honored to be included in Becker’s listing of great community hospitals,” said Bill Little, CEO of St. Francis–Emory Healthcare. “Our team works extremely hard to deliver high‑quality, compassionate care that drives exceptional patient outcomes and experiences. We are equally committed to ensuring our services remain accessible and aligned with the needs of the Chattahoochee Valley. This recognition is a meaningful validation of our efforts.”

Becker’s editorial team selected the 100 hospitals for inclusion based on nominations and insights from respected rankings and ratings organizations, including U.S. News & World Report, Healthgrades, CMS, The Leapfrog Group, the National Rural Health Association, and The Chartis Center for Rural Health.

In its announcement of the hospitals included in the list, Becker’s emphasized the value of community hospitals, noting that “Community hospitals play a vital role in the fabric of the U.S. healthcare system, delivering accessible, affordable care to patients beyond major metropolitan areas. Whether serving rural regions or suburban neighborhoods, these hospitals are essential to keeping communities healthy and connected to quality care.”

St. Francis–Emory Healthcare’s efforts to expand access to high‑quality care have earned the hospital numerous awards and recognitions. The hospital continues to take innovative measures to meet the needs of the region, including:

• Expanding cardiovascular capabilities through continued growth of the St. Francis Heart Hospital and advanced cardiac procedures.
• Enhancing surgical and orthopedic services with new technologies and improved recovery pathways.
• Investing in advanced imaging and diagnostic tools to support precision care and faster diagnosis.
• Strengthening community health initiatives focused on chronic disease management, prevention, and access to care across the Chattahoochee Valley.

The 2026 “Great Community Hospitals” listing adds to the many recent accolades earned by St. Francis–Emory Healthcare. The hospital has consistently achieved strong quality ratings, earned recognition from The Joint Commission and the American College of Cardiology, and received high marks for patient safety and experience. Its medical group has also been recognized for excellence in coordinated, patient‑centered care.

“Our focus is delivering the best care to the patients who entrust us with their health, many of whom are our friends, neighbors, and family,” said Bill Little. “We appreciate the recognition, but what matters most is the positive impact we make on the lives of the people we serve.”

About St. Francis - Emory Healthcare

Since opening our doors in 1950, the caregivers at St. Francis - Emory Healthcare have been committed each day to providing the highest quality care in West Georgia and East Alabama. With 376 beds on two campuses, more than 2,500 associates, and 300 physicians, we offer a full range of inpatient, outpatient, and emergency room services, including the only open-heart surgery program in Columbus and the Chattahoochee Valley. Learn more about St. Francis - Emory Healthcare at mystfrancis.com/about.