Harbor Regional Health Ranked #1 in Washington for Community Benefit, Earns Top Grades for Social
Harbor Regional Health has been recognized as the #1 hospital in Washington state for Community Benefit by the Lown Institute, a nonpartisan healthcare think tank renowned for advancing socially responsible healthcare nationwide. The recognition is part of the Lown Institute’s 2025–26 Hospitals Index for Social Responsibility, which evaluates more than 3,500 hospitals across the country.
Harbor Regional Health also earned A grades in three key categories:
• Community Benefit
• Pay Equity
• Avoiding Overuse
These top marks reflect the organization’s commitment to delivering high-value care, promoting equity, and putting patients and communities before profits.
“This is more than just a ranking, it’s national recognition of the values we’ve worked hard to embed in our organization,” said Tom Jensen, CEO of Harbor Regional Health. “Over the past five years, we’ve been focused on transforming our culture and improving the patient experience. Every step has been about putting people first. To be named the top hospital in Washington for community benefit is an incredible honor, and proof that rural hospitals can lead in big ways.”
A Holistic Measure of Hospital Impact
Unlike traditional rankings focused solely on clinical outcomes, the Lown Index measures hospitals on more than 50 indicators, including inclusivity, financial assistance, community investment, overuse of low-value care, and fair wages. Hospitals cannot apply or pay to be listed; results are based on independent analysis of publicly available data including IRS Form 990s, CMS cost reports, and Medicare claims.
What #1 in Community Benefit Means
Harbor Regional Health was honored for exceeding expectations in:
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Providing financial assistance to patients in need, including $2.25 million in charity care in 2024 alone.
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Caring for a high share of Medicaid patients, who make up 26% of Harbor Regional Health’s patient population. Another reflection of our role as a safety net hospital is that over 50% of our patients are covered by Medicare.
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Investing in primary care and preventive services that support the health of the broader community.
Leading with Equity and Integrity
The health system’s “A” grade in Pay Equity reflects a notably narrow gap between executive compensation and frontline worker wages, signaling Harbor’s commitment to valuing every team member—from environmental services to executive leadership.
Harbor Regional Health also earned an “A” in Avoiding Overuse, recognizing its focus on providing evidence-based care while avoiding unnecessary or potentially harmful procedures—an essential component of both quality and cost-effective care.
“Hospitals at the top of our Index show an enduring commitment to health equity that is in dire need at this moment,” said Dr. Vikas Saini, President of the Lown Institute. “In this uncertain environment, it’s more important than ever to support these strong community partners.”
About Harbor Regional Health
Harbor Regional Health is the largest healthcare provider and one of the largest employers in Grays Harbor County, offering a full spectrum of care across the region. As a Public Hospital District and Sole Community Hospital, we are committed to keeping high-quality care close to home through services including primary and specialty clinics, a Family Birth Center, cardiac catheterization lab, emergency care, and more. Guided by our mission to heal, comfort, and serve everyone with dignity and compassion, we continue to invest in people, technology, and partnerships that strengthen the health of our community.
About the Lown Institute
The Lown Institute is an independent, nonpartisan think tank advocating bold ideas for a just and caring healthcare system. Its Hospitals Index is the first ranking to evaluate social responsibility by combining health equity, patient outcomes, and value of care. Learn more at www.LownHospitalsIndex.org.
