Hammond-Henry Hospital Long Term Care Living Center has been recognized as a CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) "5-Star" facility for the 12th year in a row. CMS is part of the Department of Health and Human Services and created the "5-Star" Quality Rating System to help families and caregivers compare nursing homes. This accomplishment is one that very few nursing homes have likely ever achieved.

For CMS' quality rating, there is one overall "5-Star" rating for each nursing home and separate ratings for health inspections, staffing, and quality measures.

"The high quality of care we give at Hammond-Henry Hospital Long Term Care Living Center is one of the reasons we have a lengthy waitlist for both private pay and Medicaid beds. We strive to give the highest level of care to all residents, with special focus on each resident's individual needs. Our community is blessed to have a facility like ours to provide excellent care for our aging population close to home," said Nicole Kittelson, LTC Manager.

The Hammond-Henry Hospital Auxiliary's 2023 Lovelight Project totaled a record $10,605! Donations will be put toward the Health Career Scholarships that will be awarded to local students by the Auxiliary in June.

"We are so incredibly grateful for each and every contribution, including one very generous family that donated $2,500 in memory of her parents," said Kathleen Van De Rostyne, Volunteer/Auxiliary Supervisor.

Almost $67,000 was given in Auxiliary pledge projects and scholarships in 2023. Pledge projects are requests from different departments for small pieces of equipment that help with the treatment of patients.

Fourteen students received scholarship monies in the sum of $25,000 in 2023.