Olney Hospital Named to Top 100 Critical Access List

Olney Hamilton Hospital has been named one of the nation’s Top 100 Critical Access Hospitals for 2026 by The Chartis Center for Rural Health, a recognition that places the Olney facility among the highest-performing rural hospitals in the country.

OHH is the oldest continuously operating rural hospital in Texas. This is the sixth time it made the CHARTIS list.

The annual award is based on the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX, an industry tool that evaluates hospitals using publicly available data. Now in its 16th year, the INDEX measures performance across areas that affect day-today operations, quality of care, patient satisfaction and financial stability. Rural hospitals, health systems and state offices nationwide use the INDEX to benchmark and monitor performance.

Michael Huff, CEO of Olney Hamilton Hospital, said the designation is especially meaningful because Olney was the only Texas hospital to earn the Top 100 Critical Access distinction this year.

“This recognition is an incredible honor for our hospital and our community,” Mr. Huff said in a statement, praising the dedication and compassion of the staff.

He added that the award underscores the hospital’s commitment to growth and expanded services as construction continues on the new facility.

Michael Topchik, executive director of The Chartis Center for Rural Health, said this year’s honorees have demonstrated resilience and innovation at a time when rural health care faces mounting challenges.

For Olney, the recognition comes at a pivotal moment. The new Olney Hamilton Hospital is expected to be ready to receive patients later this year after construction is completed on the new $33-million facility on West Hamilton Street and Avenue M.