Sacred Heart Emerald Coast earned a place on Newsweek’s Best-in-State Hospitals list for the second consecutive year.
The hospital continues to receive high ratings for quality care and patient recommendations.
Regional health statistics on leading causes of death and stroke hospitalizations illustrate ongoing community health needs.
MIRAMAR BEACH, Fla. — Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast has once again been recognized as one of Florida’s top hospitals, earning a spot on Newsweek’s 2026 Best-in-State Hospitals list for the second year in a row. The hospital is one of just 30 facilities statewide to receive the distinction and is the only hospital in the tri-county area featured on the list.
“This award reflects the level of quality our care teams provide to our patients,” said Trey Abshier, president and CEO of Sacred Heart Emerald Coast. “We appreciate their work and our patients who recognize these associates by sharing their positive experiences.”
The annual Newsweek rankings — developed in partnership with Statista — evaluated more than 800 hospitals across the United States using updated criteria that include expanded quality metrics, broader accreditation coverage, expert recommendations, and increased emphasis on care quality and patient-reported outcome measures.
In addition to this statewide recognition, Sacred Heart Emerald Coast consistently earns national praise for maternity care and recently received a four-star overall hospital quality rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, including a five-star rating for patient recommendation.
Healthcare outcomes and community health trends in the region underscore the importance of strong local care systems. According to the Leading Causes of Death Profile for Bay County 2023 from the Florida Department of Health, heart disease and cancer remain among the top causes of death in the area, with stroke also a leading contributor to mortality. View the full profile here: https://www.floridahealth.gov.
Regional health data also show ongoing challenges with serious conditions requiring hospitalization. The Hospitalizations From Stroke report (2021–2023), published by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration, highlights trends in stroke-related hospital stays over recent years. Access the AHCA data here: https://ahca.myflorida.com.
Ascension Sacred Heart operates five hospitals and more than 100 sites of care across northwest Florida. In fiscal year 2024, the health system reported providing more than $193 million in community benefit programs and care for vulnerable populations.
Officials say the continued recognitions reflect an ongoing commitment to patient-centered care and clinical excellence.
For more information about Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast, visit ascension.org/EmeraldCoastFL.
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