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Paris Today
By the People, for the People
Horizon Health in Paris Earns National Accreditation
The hospital's bariatric surgery team recognized for exceptional patient safety and care.
Published on Feb. 28, 2026
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Horizon Health, a hospital in Paris, Illinois, has earned national recognition for its bariatric surgery program, achieving accreditation as a Comprehensive Center of Excellence from the American College of Surgeons' Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP). The accreditation process took nearly three years and required the hospital to meet stringent guidelines for surgical expertise, patient support, and post-operative care.
Why it matters
This accreditation demonstrates Horizon Health's commitment to providing high-quality, innovative healthcare services to its rural community. By meeting the highest standards for bariatric surgery, the hospital is positioning itself as a leader in the field and raising the bar for other providers in the region.
The details
To earn the MBSAQIP accreditation, Horizon Health's bariatric surgery team had to undergo a rigorous review process that evaluated their surgical expertise, patient support programs, and post-operative care protocols. The hospital's multidisciplinary approach, which brings together clinicians from various departments, was a key factor in achieving this recognition.
- Horizon Health received the MBSAQIP accreditation earlier this week.
The players
Horizon Health
A hospital located in Paris, Illinois that has earned national recognition for its bariatric surgery program.
Jay Carmichael
The President and CEO of Horizon Health.
Dr. Fouad Hachem
The bariatric surgeon at Horizon Health who emphasized the program's multidisciplinary approach.
American College of Surgeons
The organization that oversees the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP), which accredited Horizon Health's bariatric surgery program.
What they’re saying
“This is a testament to the impressive nature of this organization and the services we offer to our community. We're doing innovative things and pushing the boundaries of what can be done in a rural community. Our community deserves this. When one hospital does better, it pushes everybody else to do better.”
— Jay Carmichael, President and CEO of Horizon Health (Chambana Today)
“It shows people that obesity is a disease – much like heart disease. We want to give patients an A+ surgery, and our records demonstrate that.”
— Dr. Fouad Hachem, Bariatric Surgeon (Chambana Today)
The takeaway
Horizon Health's achievement of MBSAQIP accreditation for its bariatric surgery program underscores the hospital's commitment to providing high-quality, innovative healthcare services to its rural community. This recognition sets Horizon Health apart as a leader in the field and demonstrates the potential for smaller, community-focused hospitals to deliver exceptional care.
