With all the bad news that bombards us constantly in regards to the Affordable Care Act and its implementation, it is fantastic to receive some positive news about our local Rockdale Medical Center.

This week, hospital CEO Deborah Armstrong announced that Rockdale Medical Center was recognized by the Joint Commission, a leading accreditor of hospitals in the country, as a "Top Performer on Key Quality Measures" in recognition of the exemplary care provided by hospital staff and physicians.

The medical center was one of only three hospitals in the Atlanta region to receive this prestigious recognition for achieving four of the Key Quality Measures.

We are more than proud of our local hospital. Not only do they provide excellent care and great service, they are major partners in community life.

Armstrong is the Chairwoman-elect of the Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce; she is set to serve in 2015. Under her leadership, the hospital has been named the Education Partner of the Year for its work with the Rockdale school system and has been a major player in community efforts such as the Monastery’s Health Fair, Mercy Heart Clinic and more.

We also salute LifePoint Hospitals, which owns Rockdale Medical Center, for allowing its people to be a major part of making decisions that affect daily care and for ensuring that RMC remains a strong factor in what makes Rockdale County an outstanding place to own a business and raise a family.

To the entire staff at Rockdale Medical Center: yours is a job well done. Thank you for the great efforts that earned this distinction.