Saint Joseph among best in the nation at serving its patients and community, according to healthcare think tank
(ELGIN, IL) July 10, 2025 – Saint Joseph Hospital, a member of Prime Healthcare, has earned “A” grades in three areas on the Lown Institute’s 2025–26 Hospitals Index. Saint Joseph’s “A” rated categories are: Social Responsibility, 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 collectively takes great pride in being recognized by the Lown Institute. We serve a diverse population in Elgin, and our priority is always on the patient first,” said Eva Balderrama, Chief Executive Officer at Saint Joseph Hospital. “Our team remains committed to continuously focusing on delivering safe, high quality, equitable care to all we serve.”
Saint Joseph received “A” grades in the following categories:
• Social Responsibility – a hospital’s overall combined results of equity, value and outcomes
• 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 HOSPITAL
Founded in 1901, Saint Joseph Hospital, located in Elgin, IL, is a 184-bed facility dedicated to providing specialized and emergency care around the clock to the Fox River Valley community. The facility offers advanced surgical treatment for critical injuries and illnesses, and we prioritize listening to our patients’ health concerns first to ensure they receive the appropriate care tailored to their needs. Saint Joseph offers comprehensive services in orthopedics, spine, neuro, cardiac, and stroke care. Its orthopedics and rehab programs are recognized for their quality, with Saint Joseph being named a Blue Distinction Center of Excellence® for Total Knee and Hip Replacement as well as Spine. At a time when other area healthcare services are reducing their mental health care access, Saint Joseph’s facility-based behavioral health program earned Optum’s Platinum Award® for one of its best programs in their network. The hospital also boasts a comprehensive array of minimally invasive procedures, imaging services, and lab tests, all conveniently located on a single campus.