Which hospital is the most socially responsible in your state?

When people think of America’s top hospitals, it’s often the famous “brand names” that come to mind, those known specifically for research prestige or clinical performance. But the Lown Hospitals Index takes a broader view, ranking institutions on their overall social responsibility and including deep assessments of equity and value in addition to traditional outcomes measures.

This approach surfaces unexpected winners. The hospitals may not be marquee names, but they earn high marks for being community-focused and delivering on what matters most to patients. Together, they represent a new movement in healthcare, where excellence is measured not only inside the hospital walls but in the impact felt across neighborhoods and communities. 

Despite economic pressures, an unpredictable policy landscape, and workforce challenges, these hospitals prove that social responsibility is both possible and essential. They show that true excellence can mean fair wages for staff, inclusive care for diverse populations, and a steadfast commitment to patients over profits.

Here are the #1 hospitals in each state, according to the 2025 Lown Hospitals Index for Social Responsibility.