Baystate Wing Hospital Among the Most Socially Responsible in the Nation

PALMER, Mass. Baystate Wing Hospital has been named one of the most socially responsible hospitals in the nation, earning an Honor Roll spot on the 2026 Lown Hospitals Index. Ranked No. 21 nationally and No. 1 in Massachusetts, Baystate Wing, is one of only 160 out of more than 3,600 U.S. hospitals achieved this status by earning top grades across measures of health equity, value, and outcomes.

The Lown Hospitals Index for Social Responsibility is the only national ranking that examines how equitably care is delivered, how well hospitals invest in their communities, and whether patients receive high-value care that avoids unnecessary procedures, in addition to traditional measures like clinical outcomes and patient safety. More than 50 metrics contribute to a hospital’s overall score.

This marks the fifth consecutive year Baystate Wing Hospital has been recognized on the Lown Hospitals Index Honor Roll, reflecting its sustained commitment to delivering equitable, high-value care while improving the health of the communities it serves.

“This recognition highlights the dedication of our team, who work each day to fulfill our mission of delivering compassionate, quality, and accessible care while advancing the health of our communities for all,” said Karli Barrett, President and Chief Operating Officer of Baystate Wing Hospital. “As we advance toward becoming a High Reliability Organization, we are building a culture where safety, equity, quality, and continuous improvement guide every decision. Being named among the nation’s most socially responsible hospitals affirms our commitment to exceptional care, better health outcomes, and ensuring every patient receives the support they need to thrive.”

“Honor Roll status is earned by hospitals meeting the highest standards across the breadth of our metrics,” said Vikas Saini, MD, president of the Lown Institute. “They aren’t just clinically excellent, they're deeply committed to the communities they serve and work hard to ensure all patients get the care they need.

About the Lown Institute

The Lown Institute is an independent think tank advocating bold ideas for a just and caring system for health. We envision a healthcare system focused on what’s best for people, like hospitals caring for those most in need, patients living without fear of financial distress, and health professionals finding joy in their roles. The Lown Hospitals Index is a signature project of the Institute.