Archbold Memorial Named Large Hospital of the Year

Archbold Memorial was named Large Hospital of the Year by the Georgia Alliance of Community Hospitals (GACH) at the organization’s annual conference in late October. The award, presented each year to one Georgia hospital licensed for more than 150 patient beds, recognizes the not-for-profit hospital for significant advancements in critical care services and investments in the region’s future access to healthcare.

“Archbold Memorial has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to the future of Southwest Georgia through significant investments in lifesaving healthcare services, medical education and the physician workforce,” the hospital's nomination reads. “In the last year, these investments expanded access to critical care, strengthened the region’s ability to care for high-risk patients close to home and established a foundation for a healthier and more prosperous community for generations to come.”

Archbold Memorial significantly expanded its ability to care for mothers and newborns with the opening of its new Maternity Center in September 2025, more than doubling the previous center’s size. The hospital also made significant advances in stroke care, achieving recognition as a Primary Stroke Center and subsequently receiving the American Heart Association’s Get with the Guidelines–Stroke Gold Plus award.

The hospital has made transformative investments in medical education to address a well-documented shortage of primary care physicians in the state and region. A growing partnership with the Medical College of Georgia and the purchase of the historic Forbes Campus to serve as Archbold’s Medical Education Campus are the most recent tangible strides. These investments strengthen the connection between undergraduate and graduate medical education, creating additional opportunities for physicians to pursue advanced training and ultimately return to Southwest Georgia.

“The large hospital of the year award celebrates the positive impact of member hospitals on individual patients, the health and wellness of Georgians, and the quality of life in their communities,” said GACH about the award criteria. “Each year, the award is presented to a facility that has demonstrated exceptional progress and achievement within their health system and community.”

Archbold Chief Operating Officer Chris Newman and Chief Financial Officer Loren Rials accepted the award from GACH President and CEO Monty Veazey.

“Archbold is proud to serve our community each day with safe, innovative, and compassionate care,” said Archbold President and CEO Darcy Craven. “This award is a testament to the dedication and compassion of our team members, the steadfast support of our community for more than a century, and our organization’s belief that small-town residents in our region deserve access to the best care possible.”