Kaniksu Community Health earns national honors

SANDPOINT — Kaniksu Community Health has been recognized by the Health Resources and Services Administration as one of the nation's top-performing community health centers, earning a 2026 Health Center Quality Leader Gold Badge.

The award is presented to health centers ranking in the top 10% nationally for clinical quality performance.

In total, Kaniksu Community Health received five Community Health Quality Recognition badges from HRSA for excellence in patient care, chronic disease management, preventive health services and health information technology.

Kaniksu Community Health earned recognition in the following categories: health center quality leader, gold; national quality leader, diabetes; national quality leader, heart health; preventive health badge; and advancing health information technology.

The Health Center Quality Leader Gold Badge is one of HRSA's highest quality distinctions, recognizing health centers that achieve exceptional clinical outcomes compared to peers nationwide.

In addition, Kaniksu Community Health was recognized as a national quality leader in both diabetes and heart health, reflecting superior performance in helping patients manage chronic diseases and improve long-term health outcomes. The preventive health badge highlights success in ensuring patients receive recommended screenings and preventive services, while the advancing health information technology badge recognizes the effective use of technology to support patient care and quality improvement.

"Earning recognition as a Health Center Quality Leader Gold recipient and ranking among the top 10% of community health centers nationwide reflects the extraordinary commitment of our team to delivering high-quality care for every patient we serve," said Kevin Knepper, CEO. "These awards demonstrate that patients in North Idaho can receive nationally recognized care close to home."

These recognitions reflect the dedication of Kaniksu Community Health's providers, nurses, medical assistants, behavioral health professionals, pharmacists, support staff and leadership team, all working together to improve the health and well-being of the communities they serve.

As a federally qualified health center, Kaniksu Community Health provides comprehensive medical, dental, behavioral health, substance use disorder treatment and pharmacy services throughout North Idaho, regardless of a patient's ability to pay.

For more information, visit Kaniksu Community Health at kchni.org