Becker’s Again Recognizes Tillamook Hospital Excellence
Adventist Health Tillamook has once again earned national recognition from Becker’s Hospital Review, being named to its 2026 Critical Access Hospitals to Know list. The designation marks the second time the organization has received the honor, following its inclusion on Becker’s 2024 Critical Access Hospitals to Know list.
Recognizing excellence in rural healthcare
Critical access hospitals play an essential role in rural healthcare, providing around-the-clock emergency services and comprehensive care while operating with no more than 25 inpatient beds. Becker’s Hospital Review noted that the hospitals recognized in 2026 are improving community health, expanding access to specialty services, and reducing the burden of travel for rural patients.
“This recognition reflects the extraordinary commitment of our associates and providers to serve Tillamook County,” said Eric Swanson, president of Adventist Health Tillamook. “Rural healthcare requires innovation, perseverance, and a deep connection to the people we serve. We are honored to be recognized by Becker’s for a second time and proud of the progress we continue to make in expanding access to high-quality care close to home.”
Why Adventist Health Tillamook was recognized
For its 2026 recognition, Becker’s highlighted several recent accomplishments at Adventist Health Tillamook. Among them was the hospital’s achievement of a 4-star Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services rating, recognition with the 2025 Oregon Rural Health Excellence Award, and the success of its community-based nursing program. Since launching in December 2023, it has served more than 100 patients across six rural clinics while demonstrating measurable improvements in medication adherence, chronic disease management, and patient engagement.
Becker’s also recognized the reopening of the Tillamook Kidney Center, restoring dialysis services locally and eliminating a significant travel burden for many patients. Additional highlights included Adventist Health Tillamook becoming the first standalone approved worksite outside a formal Blue Zones Project community to earn Blue Zones worksite certification, supporting the launch of the Tillamook Bay Community College nursing program, and investing in the ongoing expansion and renovation of its surgery department to increase access to surgical care for the more than 27,000 residents of Tillamook County.
Building on a strong foundation
The recognition builds upon Adventist Health Tillamook’s inclusion in Becker’s 2024 Critical Access Hospitals to Know list, which featured only 27 hospitals nationwide. At that time, Becker’s highlighted the organization’s innovation in rural healthcare delivery, including investments in neonatal specialty care, mental health services, community wellness programs, and health equity initiatives. The publication also recognized the hospital’s strong performance in social responsibility, community benefit, patient satisfaction, and value of care.
While the criteria and number of hospitals recognized have evolved over time, both honors underscore the important role Adventist Health Tillamook continues to play in advancing healthcare access and quality in rural Oregon.
As healthcare continues to change, Adventist Health Tillamook remains focused on strengthening services, investing in innovative care models, and ensuring patients can access the care they need close to home. The latest Becker’s recognition affirms the organization’s ongoing commitment to improving health, enhancing experiences, and supporting the well-being of the communities it serves.
