Editor’s note: This article is by the Valley News, in which it was first published Nov. 20, 2013.

WHITE RIVER JUNCTION — For the third year in a row, the White River Junction VA Medical Center received recognition as a top performer among VA facilities for providing high-quality care to veterans.

The VA center was one of 32 Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers to be recognized by The Joint Commission, a nonprofit panel that accredits and certifies health care organizations, according to a news release.

“This achievement highlights the hard work of our VA medical staff to serve veterans,” Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki said in a statement.

In total, 151 VA medical centers are accredited by the commission, but only a select few receive top honors based on review of “evidence-based care that is closely linked to positive patient outcomes,” according to the news release.

The Valley News is the daily newspaper and website of the Upper Valley, online at www.vnews.com.