CLARKSVILLE, TN – Tennessee State Veterans’ Home-Clarksville has once again earned national recognition for excellence in long-term care, receiving the 2026 Silver – Achievement in Quality Award from the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL). The achievement comes just one year after the home earned the Bronze – Commitment to Quality Award, demonstrating an exceptional commitment to continuous improvement and delivering the highest standard of care for Tennessee’s veterans.
This year, only 255 long-term care providers nationwide earned the prestigious Silver Award, including just 171 skilled nursing facilities, making the recognition one of the most selective quality distinctions in the country. Recipients represent organizations that have demonstrated measurable performance improvement through strong leadership, strategic planning, workforce engagement, and resident-centered care.
The AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program is built upon the nationally recognized Baldrige Performance Excellence Framework and recognizes providers that successfully integrate quality improvement into every aspect of their organization. Facilities must first achieve the Bronze Award before becoming eligible to pursue the Silver Award, making Clarksville’s advancement in just one year a remarkable accomplishment.
“Receiving the Bronze Award was an incredible honor, but earning the Silver Award just one year later speaks volumes about the dedication, compassion, and professionalism of our entire Clarksville team,” said Ed Harries, Executive Director of Tennessee State Veterans’ Homes. “Quality isn’t something we strive for only during an awards cycle—it’s embedded in everything we do. Every employee shares the same mission of providing our nation’s heroes with the dignity, respect, and exceptional care they deserve.”
The Brigadier General Wendell H. Gilbert Tennessee State Veterans’ Home in Clarksville provides long-term skilled nursing care and short-term rehabilitation in an environment designed specifically for veterans. The home’s focus on clinical excellence is paired with meaningful programs that foster camaraderie, purpose, and quality of life among those who have served our country.
Suzanne Hogan, Administrator of Tennessee State Veterans’ Home – Clarksville, added, “This recognition belongs to every resident, family member, volunteer, and employee who makes our home special. Our team continually looks for ways to improve not only the care we provide, but the overall experience of living in a veterans’ home. We are honored to receive this national recognition and remain committed to reaching even greater levels of excellence.”