North Carolina Hospitals Lead the Nation in Excellence for Black Maternity Care

Photo byRWJBarnabas Health

North Carolina stands out for its commitment to Black maternity care, with more hospitals than any other state earning recognition for excellent outcomes for Black maternity patients.

U.S. News & World Report recently honored seven North Carolina hospitals

1. Atrium Health Pineville
2. Novant Health Forsyth
3. Matthews Medical Centers (Two Medical centers)
4. UNC Rex Hospital
5. WakeMed Cary Hospital
6. WakeMed Raleigh Campus

for their exemplary efforts to bridge health disparities during Black Maternal Health Week.

These hospitals were among just 26 nationwide that met U.S. News’ high standards for maternity care and achieved performance benchmarks specifically for Black maternity patients. This recognition underscores North Carolina's leadership in addressing the unique challenges faced by Black mothers.

Kinneil Coltman, executive vice president and chief community and social impact officer for Advocate Health Network, highlighted the commitment to ensuring equitable care, stating:

"We're dedicated to dismantling disparities, ensuring every woman receives the quality care and support she deserves during birth and well beyond."

Data collected by U.S. News from nearly 700 hospitals revealed that nearly a third of Black patients' births are delivered via C-section, a procedure associated with higher risks of maternal complications.

However, North Carolina hospitals like UNC Rex and Atrium Health Pineville have managed to maintain C-section rates well below the national average for Black mothers, thanks to a commitment to comprehensive, patient-centered care.

Dr. Tanneisha S. Barlow, chair of the department of obstetrics and gynecology at UNC Rex, emphasized the importance of presence and preparedness in labor, ensuring the safety and well-being of both mother and baby. This approach, along with a diverse medical staff that reflects the communities they serve, contributes to the positive outcomes these hospitals achieve.

As Dr. Katie Borders of Atrium Health noted:

"We are constantly striving to develop the best comprehensive women’s health program focused on equitable care for women at all life stages – especially in our underserved communities."

North Carolina's hospitals are leading the way in making sure that all women, particularly Black mothers, receive the highest quality care.