Clarinda Regional Health Center

Clarinda Regional Health Center (CRHC) is excited to announce that Dr. John Carr, a highly skilled and experienced general surgeon, has joined the Clarinda Regional Health Center. With over 21 years of expertise in general surgery, endoscopy, and trauma care, Dr. Carr’s arrival further strengthens CRHC’s commitment to advance exceptional care for patients in southwest Iowa.

Dr. Carr is quadruple board-certified in general surgery, thoracic surgery, surgical critical care, and critical care echocardiography. He received his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Indiana University and his MD from the Indiana University School of Medicine. Dr. Carr completed a rigorous general surgery residency at Henry Ford Medical Center, where he also served as research resident in vascular surgery and chief resident. He further advanced his education with a fellowship in cardiothoracic surgery at Rush University and Cook County Hospital, followed by specialized training in cardiac transplant and mechanical support at the University of Chicago.

In addition to his medical expertise, Dr. Carr recently pursued dual MAs in Theology and Systematic Philosophy from Holy Apostles College, showcasing his commitment to continuous learning and personal development.

Dr. Carr has extensive training in advanced surgical and endovascular techniques, including aortic and iliac arterial stenting, thoracic endografting, breast MRI interpretation, and complex vascular trauma management. He also holds certifications in advanced endovascular procedures and Impella patient management.

Chuck Nordyke, CEO of Clarinda Regional Health Center, shared his excitement about Dr. Carr’s addition to the CRHC team:
“We are extremely pleased to welcome Dr. John Carr to Clarinda Regional Health Center. His broad range of surgical expertise and advanced certifications make him a valuable asset to our team. His vast experience in trauma and critical care surgery will undoubtedly benefit our patients and help us continue to provide the highest standard of care to our community.”

Dr. Carr is now accepting patients at the CRHC Surgery Center and looks forward to providing advanced, compassionate care to individuals in need of specialized surgical services.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Clarinda Regional Health Center at 712-542-8349 or visit www.clarindahealth.com.  

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Clarinda Regional Health Center, a committed healthcare provider in Southwest Iowa is proud to announce that it has been awarded a prestigious 5-star rating by the National Rural Rating System (NRRS), a program recognizing dedication and excellence in rural healthcare, as well as being named to the National Rural Honor Roll.

This esteemed designation is a testament to Clarinda Regional Health Center's dedication to delivering high-quality care and exceptional patient experiences. The NRRS evaluates hospitals based on rigorous standards, including patient satisfaction, quality of care, and overall hospital performance.

"I am incredibly proud to announce that Clarinda Regional Health Center has achieved the prestigious NRRS 5-Star rating. This accomplishment is a testament to the unwavering dedication and hard work of our entire team. Every day, our staff goes above and beyond to embody our commitment to Advancing Exceptional Care for our patients and community. This rating reflects not only the quality of care we provide but also the compassion, expertise, and relentless pursuit of excellence that our team brings to their work. Thank you to each and every staff member for making this achievement possible and for your steadfast dedication to the health and well-being of those we serve." -Chuck Nordyke, CEO

The 5-star rating reflects Clarinda Regional Health Center's ongoing commitment to meet the unique healthcare needs of the rural community it serves. This recognition highlights the hospital's success in providing outstanding medical services, despite the challenges often faced by rural healthcare facilities.

The 2025 National Rural Honor Roll honorees, announced each November, include rural hospitals that have met the highest standards for patient experience, based on cumulative ratings submitted by October 31, 2024. This annual recognition reinforces NRHA’s commitment to supporting and uplifting rural health care facilities as pillars of their communities.

“These awards really shine a spotlight on the heart and hard work that our rural hospitals bring to their communities,” says Brock Slabach, COO of the National Rural Health Association. “Rural healthcare comes with unique challenges, and reaching this level of excellence shows not only the clinical expertise but also the deep commitment these hospitals have to the people they serve. This recognition celebrates rural healthcare as a source of strength, compassion, and healing—right where it’s needed most.”

Clarinda Regional Health Center extends its heartfelt thanks to its dedicated team of healthcare professionals, whose tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to patient care have made this achievement possible.

Clarinda Regional Health Center (CRHC) is a 25-bed critical access hospital located in southwest Iowa, dedicated to providing exceptional, patient-centered care to the communities it serves. CRHC offers a wide range of healthcare services, from inpatient and outpatient care to specialty services, ensuring comprehensive care close to home. In addition to its main hospital in Clarinda, CRHC operates clinics in Clarinda, Villisca, and Bedford, Iowa, extending its commitment to high-quality healthcare across the region. With a focus on advancing health and wellness, CRHC combines modern medical practices with compassionate care to meet the diverse needs of southwest Iowa’s residents.

The 5 Star Rating System ranks rural and critical access hospitals – with five stars being the top ranking and one star being the lowest. The Star Ratings are like the CMS Stars, which allow hospitals/clinics to promote their success and are used as high-quality recognitions. Most small and rural hospitals (60%) do not qualify because of low number of qualifying inpatients for the CMS Rankings but are held to the same high patient satisfaction criteria. This program recognizes the hard work, and dedication rural and critical access hospitals provide across the country. The rankings will include overnight hospital stays (HCAHPS) and are based on data collected by certified CMS patient satisfaction vendors.

The National Rural Honor Roll was created to honor rural and critical access hospitals and clinics that consistently deliver exceptional healthcare, showcasing them as leaders in patient-centered care within their communities. Facilities included on the Honor Roll receive recognition for their dedication and excellence that sets them apart, demonstrating their commitment to patient well-being.

For more information visit RuralRatings.US.

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