Critical Access Hospitals

New Hampshire’s Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) play a critical role in ensuring the health and well-being of the state’s rural and medical underserved areas, existing as places of health, healing and hope for their patients. They play a crucial role in New Hampshire’s health care delivery system and make up 13 of the 26 acute care hospitals in the state, providing access to essential emergency services, outpatient and inpatient care, and care coordination services to the state’s most rural residents who otherwise would not have access to care.

Critical Access Hospitals also play a critical role as economic engines within their local communities by providing jobs, utilizing local businesses that support the delivery of care, and enhancing the economic vitality by attracting new residents and businesses.