Centralia, IL (April 1, 2026) – For generations, families across Southern Illinois have relied on SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia for care when it matters most. That commitment to being present day and night, for emergencies and everyday care, is being recognized on a national level.
SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital- Centralia has been named a Top 100 Rural and Community Hospital by Chartis, a leading healthcare advisory firm. This recognition honors hospitals that demonstrate strength, quality, and long-term sustainability while ensuring rural communities continue to have access to exceptional care close to home.
“Rural hospitals are the heartbeat of communities like ours across Southern Illinois,” said Damon Harbison, president and administrator of SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital- Centralia, SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital- Mt. Vernon, and the SSM Health Rural Health Network- Illinois. “Across the nine counties we serve, our teams show up every day for our neighbors to provide high-quality care, advanced health services, and compassion that people can rely on close to home. This recognition from Chartis affirms that commitment and the incredible work happening right here in Centralia.”
Serving as a healthcare anchor for Southern Illinois, St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia plays a vital role in providing emergency care, advanced imaging, specialized services, and compassionate clinical expertise for families across the region. Deeply rooted in the communities it serves, this health ministry invests in people, technology, and partnerships to meet the unique health needs of the nine counties it supports- ensuring care remains accessible and close to home.
“Rural hospitals are sometimes underestimated, but for Southern Illinois, St. Mary’s Hospital is an anchor for care and stability, Harbison added. “When minutes matter, when families are facing uncertainty, when neighbors need trusted care close to home, St. Mary’s is here. This recognition reflects the strength of our hospital, caregivers, and staff who bring our Mission to life for patients and families we serve every day.
The recognition speaks to the sustainability and impact of SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia and the organization’s continued investment in meeting the evolving healthcare needs of Southern Illinois communities today and for generations to come.
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About SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital – Centralia
SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital – Centralia is a 113-bed hospital specializing in behavioral health, bariatric surgery, wound/hyperbaric care, and minimally invasive general surgical care, along with pediatric in conjunction with the physicians at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital of St. Louis, Mo.
With care delivery sites in Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma and Wisconsin, SSM Health provides convenient access to high-quality community-based services as well as world-class academic medicine, clinical trials and research studies. The organization’s footprint includes hospitals, physician offices, outpatient and virtual care services, senior care, comprehensive home care and hospice services, a fully transparent pharmacy benefit company, a health insurance company and an accountable care organization. As one of the largest employers in every community it serves, the organization’s more than 40,000 team members and more than 15,000 providers are dedicated to fulfilling SSM Health’s Mission: “Through our exceptional health care services, we reveal the healing presence of God.” For more information, visit ssmhealth.com or find us on Facebook and LinkedIn.