CHARLOTTE, N.C. – (Newsletter) – Two Advocate Health hospitals have been recognized for their efforts in supporting Black maternal health by U.S. News & World Report for Black Maternal Health Week 2024. Atrium Health Pineville in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Aurora Medical Center – Grafton in Grafton, Wisconsin, are two of 26 hospitals nationwide identified by U.S. News for achieving excellent outcomes for cesarean section and unexpected newborn complications among Black patients.
U.S. News identified hospitals that were rated “high performing” in U.S. News’ Best Hospitals for Maternity Care, served at least 20 Black patients per year and had newborn complication rates of less than 2.62% and c-section rates of less than 23.9% (among hospitals providing a higher level of care) or 23.6% (among hospitals not providing a higher level of care) among Black patients.
“At Advocate Health, our commitment to advancing health equity hinges on prioritizing equity in maternal care,” said Kinneil Coltman, executive vice president and chief community and social impact officer for Advocate Health. “We’re dedicated to dismantling disparities, ensuring every woman receives the quality care and support she deserves during birth and well beyond. Not only are we reducing preventable deaths, but we are on a mission to safeguard every mother’s right to a safe birthing experience.”
In the Southeast, Atrium Health is addressing Black maternal health disparities and mortality with an intentional recruitment of a more diverse residency class. In addition, last year Atrium Health expanded its mobile services and fleet of mobile medical units to serve its communities in need. The initiative – known as Atrium Health Women’s Care Drive to Thrive – is one of the nation’s first mobile units dedicated solely dedicated to bringing OB-GYN care into underserved communities. Its goals include decreasing maternal mortality rates and unintended pregnancies.