Riverside Walter Reed Hospital, Gloucester, has been named a Top 20 Rural & Community Hospital by The Chartis Center for Rural Health and the National Rural Health Association. RWRH is the only Virginia hospital, as well as East Coast hospital, to receive this national distinction. “It’s just an honor to be recognized,” said RWRH President Shelly Johnson. Approximately 800 hospitals were assessed for this honor based on results through the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX, which evaluates individual hospital’s quality, market share, and patient perspectives. One of rural health care’s most challenging areas is “attracting and retaining specialty providers,” said Johnson. However, RWRH has learned how to navigate that challenge over the years. Through partnerships with public K-12 school systems, community colleges and local outreach initiatives, RWRH has been able to recruit and retain health care providers. The hospital’s close relationship with Rappahannock Community Coll...