Concord Hospital Health System Awarded Top State Rankings for Health Equity, Pay Equity, and Community Benefit
CONCORD, NH – The three hospitals within the Concord Hospital Health System (CHHS) have been recognized by the independent healthcare think tank Lown Institute for outstanding performance, receiving an “A” grade in numerous metrics, including health equity, pay equity, community benefit, and social responsibility, as well as #1 rankings in New Hampshire (NH) on the 2025-26 Lown Institute Hospitals Index. CHHS earned this honor after being evaluated for its strong performance in health equity and the value of care, as well as patient outcomes, among more than 3,500 hospitals nationwide.
“This recognition reflects who we are as a health system,” said President and CEO Robert P. Steigmeyer. “Our teams across Concord, Franklin, and Laconia are deeply committed to delivering high-quality care while advancing community well-being. These rankings validate the work happening every day to ensure that every patient—regardless of their background, income, or circumstance—has access to compassionate, evidence-based care close to home. We are proud of this achievement, and even more proud of the people behind it.”
Concord Hospital - Franklin is awarded #1 in NH for Health Equity and Pay Equity, Concord Hospital - Laconia is awarded #1 in NH for Community Benefit, and Concord Hospital received Grade A’s for the Social Responsibility, Value of Care, Inclusivity, and Avoiding Overuse metrics. These are independent rankings, and hospitals do not apply or pay to be listed.
"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 the socially responsible hospitals who are delivering high-quality care to all in their community."
The Lown Hospitals Index for Social Responsibility is the only ranking that combines metrics of health equity and the 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.
