Top Stories of 2025: Ascension St. Vincent Strengthens Care and Expands Services Across Central Indiana

Throughout 2025, Ascension St. Vincent advanced its mission to deliver high-quality care to communities across Indiana. From national recognitions and facility openings to inspiring patient stories and expanded community outreach, this year demonstrated a deep continued commitment to clinical excellence, innovation, and service to all.

Awards & Recognitions

Ascension St. Vincent Fishers Named a Top Hospital by Forbes

Ascension St. Vincent Fishers was honored on the inaugural Forbes Top Hospitals 2026 list, placing it among the highest-performing health facilities in the nation. The recognition reflects the hospital's strong clinical outcomes, patient satisfaction, and consistent delivery of compassionate, high-quality care.

Heart Center Earns Coveted 5-Star CMS Rating

The Ascension St. Vincent Heart Center proudly received a 5-star rating in the 2025 CMS Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings, an achievement reserved for a small percentage of hospitals nationwide. The Heart Center also ranked among the top Cardiovascular Hospitals in the country by Premier Inc., marking the 13th time the hospital has been named to the prestigious list. These ratings underscore the Heart Center's leadership in cardiovascular care, safety, and patient outcomes.

"This achievement helps our patients and families assess hospital quality in key areas that matter to them, and we take pride in exceeding those expectations of high-quality care," said Lori Shannon, RN, MBA, President of the ASV Heart Center.

Top Doctors Recognized Statewide

Dozens of Ascension St. Vincent physicians were honored as 2025 Top Docs by Indianapolis Monthly, reflecting extraordinary dedication to clinical excellence. Additional physicians and nurses at Ascension St. Vincent Evansville were recognized as Evansville Living Top Docs, highlighting exceptional care across Southern Indiana.

Evansville Recognized for Exceptionally Low MRSA Rates

Ascension St. Vincent Evansville received recognition by Becker's Hospital Review for maintaining one of the lowest MRSA infection rates in the region, an important indicator of patient safety and hospital quality.

Excellence in Infant and Maternal Health

Ascension St. Vincent was honored by the Indiana Hospital Association (IHA) with the INspire Hospital of Distinction recognition for excellence in infant and maternal health. Hospitals across the ministry, including Ascension St. Vincent Anderson, Carmel, Evansville, Fishers, Kokomo, Randolph, and the Women and Infants Hospital, were recognized for implementing best practices in areas such as infant safe sleep, breastfeeding, perinatal substance use, social determinants of health, obstetric hemorrhage, and maternal hypertension.

Facility Openings & Expansions

Lucas Family Brain and Spine Hospital Opens in Indianapolis

In a milestone moment for neurological care, Ascension St. Vincent celebrated the blessing and ribbon cutting of the Lucas Family Brain and Spine Hospital. The advanced facility brings together expert neurosurgeons, neurologists, rehabilitation specialists, and cutting-edge technology to treat complex brain and spine conditions in a state-of-the-art environment.

New Senior Renewal Service Line Launches in Randolph County

Ascension St. Vincent Randolph celebrated the opening of its new Senior Renewal service line, offering specialized behavioral health support for older adults. The program provides structured outpatient care, therapy, and personalized treatment plans to help seniors navigate emotional, cognitive, and life-transitional challenges.

Ascension St. Vincent Moves Patients to New Women and Infants Hospital

Ascension St. Vincent marked the successful relocation of mothers and babies to the new Women and Infants Hospital, ensuring a smooth, safe transition of care. The eight-story, 268,000-square-foot facility includes Level IV NICU and maternal care, private rooms, and one of Indiana's largest pediatric emergency departments. The move was supported by the Care for Tomorrow campaign, which raised over $47 million to enhance care for mothers and infants across the state.

Future of Care at Peyton Manning Children's Hospital

Peyton Manning Children's Hospital at Ascension St. Vincent celebrated the completion of its $48 million Care for Tomorrow campaign with the unveiling of a new Pediatric Emergency Department and expanded Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, strengthening access to advanced, compassionate care for Indiana's children and families.

"Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we are advancing patient-centered care that extends beyond traditional medical services - creating holistic, spiritually centered programs that elevate outcomes and experiences for those we serve." said Ann Haupt, Vice President of the Ascension St. Vincent Foundation.

Initiatives & Innovation

Faster Emergency Care for Rural Hoosiers

Ascension St. Vincent is enhancing rural emergency response by installing one-touch StatFlight buttons at hospitals across Indiana, enabling quicker helicopter dispatch and reducing critical transport times for patients needing specialized, life-saving care.

2024 Annual Impact Report Highlights Foundation's Community Impact

The Ascension St. Vincent Foundation released its 2024 Annual Impact Report in 2025, showcasing how donor generosity advances compassionate, patient-centered care across Indiana. The report highlights fundraising milestones, regional initiatives, and programs supporting underserved communities, including the new Women and Infants Hospital.

"The Annual Impact Report is more than a summary of numbers," said Ann Haupt, Vice President of Ascension St. Vincent Foundation. "It is a celebration of our community's generosity and our collective commitment to compassionate, high-quality care. Every gift helps us build a healthier, more hopeful future."

In fiscal year 2024, Ascension St. Vincent Foundations collectively provided more than $10.3 million in funding for programs, capital projects, and patient care initiatives across the state.

Leadership & Milestones

Don King Named CEO of Ascension St. Vincent

In 2025, Ascension St. Vincent announced Don King as Chief Executive Officer for the Indiana ministry, effective Jan. 1, 2026. He brings 25 years of healthcare leadership experience to oversee the system's hospitals and care sites while advancing Mission-centered, community-focused care across the state.

Sisters of the Holy Cross 'Pass the Light' to Ascension St. Vincent Anderson

In a symbolic "Passing the Light" ceremony, the Sisters of the Holy Cross marked the end of 131 years of service at Ascension St. Vincent Anderson, entrusting their mission and legacy to the hospital's leadership as Sister Eileen Flavin retires.

To stay up-to-date and learn more about the latest advancements made in our facilities, visit Ascension Saint Vincent News.