WHEATLAND, Wyo. (Aug. 13, 2025) – Banner Health’s Platte County Hospital in Wheatland has been named the third most socially responsible critical access hospital in the country, according to the 2025 Lown Institute Hospitals Index. Out of more than 800 facilities evaluated, just 45 earned a place on the Honor Roll with an “A” grade and Platte County Hospital was one of only 15 to appear on the list for the second consecutive year.
“This recognition means a great deal to us, especially because it reflects more than just clinical outcomes,” said Sandy Dugger, the hospital’s chief executive officer. “It speaks to our team’s commitment to delivering equitable, compassionate care in a rural setting where access and trust matter. We’re honored to be a leader in Wyoming and proud to have earned this recognition for the second year in a row.”
The Lown Institute, a nonpartisan think tank advocating bold ideas for a just and caring system for health, evaluated hospitals using 54 performance metrics across equity, value and outcomes. This framework goes beyond traditional rankings that focus solely on patient results. The index sets a higher bar, giving equal weight to factors like fair and affordable care, health equity and community investment.
The Lown Institute said the rankings reflect how hospitals can continue to lead with integrity even in the face of industry-wide challenges like rising costs and workforce shortages. The hospitals on this year’s list demonstrate that socially responsible care, grounded in community need and patient-centered values, is not only possible but already happening across the country.
The Lown Index has several different categories, including acute care hospitals, health systems and critical access hospitals. Critical access hospitals are smaller, rural facilities that deliver essential health care services in underserved areas. Despite operating with fewer resources and a smaller staff than urban hospitals, these facilities are vital to the health and well-being of their communities, as Platte County Hospital has demonstrated in Wheatland and the surrounding communities.
In addition to emergency and inpatient care, Platte County Hospital offers a wide range of routine and specialty services, including lab work, wellness care, orthopedics, maternity care and more. To schedule an appointment, call (307) 322-3636.
About Platte County Hospital
Platte County Hospital has provided medical excellence to the residents of Platte County since 1955. The hospital offers emergency care, inpatient services, cardiopulmonary care, inpatient and ambulatory surgery, laboratory, medical imaging and women’s care. It is operated by Banner Health, a nonprofit hospital and health care system with 33 hospitals in six states. For more information, visit bannerhealth.com/plattecounty.
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