Quality improvement has always been the right thing for hospitals to do. But it's also becoming a financial imperative.

All rural hospitals are facing increased challenges to remain viable and at the same time continue to deliver high quality care in their communities. A good healthcare system is an important indicator of an area's quality of life. It is the board's goal to enhance the quality of life for the all Story County residents.

However, the ratings on NTPC are constrained by the weak credit quality of its customers. A substantial improvement in the credit profile of its customers, accompanied by continuity of its current credit protection parameters, may result in an improvement in the outlook or the ratings.

Hospitals like Brigham and Women's Hospital are an inspiration to the field. They reaffirm that quality and patient safety are cornerstones of hospitals' commitment and mission. They are testing new strategies for providing safer, more effective patient-centered care, and are sharing what they learn with the field to help all hospitals fulfill the promise of high-quality, safe care for their communities.

Big Shane has worked hard this summer and you can see so much improvement in the way he moves. He's done some good things in camp and learned the offense, and we're sort of just looking for him to take that next step to where he can be a major contributor for us. He'll absolutely get on the field.

Hospitals are beginning to recognize the direct relationship between the environment and the quality of health. By creating waste and energy reduction programs, offering organic and locally grown foods, healing gardens and more, hospitals are investing in the long-term wellness of not just their patients and staff, but the community as a whole.