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Success Stories

Putting the Exceptional in Exceptional Healthcare

Isaac Navarrete; Jared Raymond
First Responders
Health Care
Lab Technician at Exceptional Hospital Bullhead City Looks Into Microscope.
In-house lab testing enable Exceptional Community Hospitals across Arizona provide smoother and faster results to patients.
Exceptional Community Hospital in Bullhead City first opened its doors in November 2023
Exceptional Community Hospital in Bullhead City first opened its doors in November 2023

Exceptional Healthcare is growing in service of rural Arizona. The community hospital provider has recently added facilities in Prescott Valley and Eloy, Arizona, to its network of established facilities in Yuma, Bullhead City, and Maricopa. As a hospital provider, Exceptional Healthcare is known for offering 24-hour emergency care in non-metropolitan areas, which puts their focus on accessibility. Exceptional Healthcare’s facilities hold in-house lab testing, radiology services, and inpatient care. 

With support through USDA Rural Development’s Business & Industry Loan Guarantee Program, this healthcare provider is focused on the future, and grounded in community spirit.

Maricopa, Arizona: A Community-Centered Approach

Maricopa, Arizona, a dynamic and growing city located approximately 30 miles south of metro Phoenix, stands as a testament to Exceptional Healthcare’s mission. As the fifth largest employer in the community, the hospital has become a cornerstone, providing essential jobs and healthcare services. With eight emergency room beds and nine inpatient beds, the facility addresses the urgent medical needs of its residents.

AnnaMarie Knorr, Exceptional Healthcare’s Director of Marketing and a veteran healthcare professional with 19 years of experience, shares her firsthand observations of the community’s evolving healthcare landscape. 

“Every day, we see how critical it is for our community to have accessible healthcare,” AnnaMarie says, underscoring the importance of their services in saving lives and improving health outcomes.

Chief Nursing Officer Annie Giagni talks to staff at Exceptional Community Hospital in Maricopa.
Chief Nursing Officer Annie Giagni talks to staff at Exceptional Community Hospital in Maricopa.

Annie Giagni, the Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) of the Maricopa facility, brings her extensive 20-year background in healthcare to the forefront. Annie lives locally and emphasizes that about 80% of the staff also call Maricopa home, fostering a strong connection to the community they serve. 

“Our busy-ness speaks volumes about the need for more services in Maricopa,” she remarks. Annie’s commitment to keeping healthcare local is reflected in the hospital’s ability to accommodate overnight patients and offer personalized care. “It’s all about keeping it local and keeping it here,” she adds.

Bullhead City: Concierge Care in Rural Settings

In Bullhead City, Exceptional Healthcare opened a new community hospital in November 2023. The hospital supports a community of more than 43,000 people, with access to care, and job opportunities. To ensure the facility was ready with the most up-to-date resources and equipment, USDA Rural Development partnered with a local lender to provide necessary financing for this Exceptional Healthcare location to open. 

Kelly Meshkoff, Chief Nursing Officer of the Bullhead City facility, embodies the spirit of Exceptional Healthcare’s mission. Kelly moved to Bullhead City to seize an opportunity that would allow her to make a meaningful impact in a rural setting. She’s seen Bullhead City’s growth over the years and noticed a need for more intuitive healthcare for the area and surrounding communities. 

Kelly champions the idea of providing concierge-level service in small communities. 

“Most people are here on the worst day of their life, so you try to provide the best level of service you can,” she explains. This approach has fostered a compassionate atmosphere where patients feel valued and cared for, even during their most difficult times.

Expanding Horizons: New Facilities in Prescott Valley and Eloy

With additional funding through USDA Rural Development, Exceptional Healthcare is opening new facilities in Prescott Valley and Eloy. These hospitals will extend the organization’s reach and enhance the level of care available to even more people. By leveraging USDA Rural Development financing, Exceptional Healthcare is positioned to meet the growing demand for healthcare services across the rural regions of Arizona.

 

Obligation Amount:
$2,730,000; $3,050,000
Year(s) of Obligation:
,
Congressional District:
  • Arizona: District 9
  • Arizona: District 2