MOBILE, Alabama  – USA Health University Hospital was named a High Performing Hospital in stroke care by U.S. News & World Report in its recently released 2025-2026 Best Hospitals edition.

The High Performing rating, which recognizes excellence in one or more types of medical care, was earned by only 38% of the more than 4,400 hospitals evaluated in the 36th year of the annual study.

“University Hospital is honored to be recognized as a High Performing Hospital in stroke care by U.S. News & World Report,” said Josh Snow, MSHA, CEO of University Hospital. “This designation is a testament to the dedication of our multidisciplinary teams who work around the clock to provide rapid, evidence-based stroke treatment. We remain committed to advancing excellence in patient outcomes and continuing to serve as a regional leader in comprehensive stroke care.”

University Hospital’s score was based on data such as patient survival rates, recovery at home, number of patients treated and more. Hospitals that earned a high performing rating typically have better patient outcomes compared to other hospitals, according to U.S. News.

For instance, University Hospital earned excellent ratings in the patient outcomes category, which comprises 65% of the overall score. This category includes data on survival 30 days after hospitalization, how often patients go directly home from the hospital, and how successful the hospital is in enabling patients to live at home during the first month of recovery.

Emily H. Dahlmann, DNP, RN, SCRN, stroke program director for USA Health, said the recognition confirms that University Hospital should be “everyone’s top choice for stroke care.”

“The staff are laser-focused on providing high quality, efficient, patient-centered care,” Dahlmann said. “With leading-edge technology and devices, University Hospital continues to provide the highest level of care to the Gulf Coast region, putting patients first. Time is brain, and University Hospital is committed to delivering safe and fast stroke care to the community.”

This year’s expanded edition of Best Hospitals evaluates U.S. hospitals for 37 types of care, based largely on risk-adjusted outcomes from more than 800 million records of patient care.

About USA Health

USA Health, the health system for the University of South Alabama, the Flagship of the Gulf Coast, is the leading academic health system in the region. With more than 40 care delivery locations, including University Hospital, Children’s & Women’s Hospital, Providence Hospital and the Mitchell Cancer Institute, and physician practices throughout the area, the health system melds clinical care, research and healthcare education into the most advanced medical care in the region.

About University Hospital

Part of USA Health, the academic health system for the University of South Alabama, University Hospital is an acute-care facility serving as the major referral center for southwest Alabama, southeast Mississippi and portions of northwest Florida. It offers centers for level 1 trauma, burn, stroke, cardiovascular disease and sickle cell disease as well as outpatient services. As a teaching and research facility for the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine at the University of South Alabama, University Hospital plays a key role in the development of new technology and treatments, and the training of future healthcare professionals.