U.S. News & World Report Recognizes Advocate Health Hospitals for Exceptional Black Maternal Health Outcomes

Atrium Health Pineville in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Aurora Medical Center – Grafton in Grafton, Wisconsin, have been honored for their exceptional support of Black maternal health during Black Maternal Health Week 2024. These two Advocate Health hospitals were among the 26 hospitals nationwide recognized by U.S. News & World Report for their outstanding outcomes in cesarean section and unexpected newborn complications among Black patients.

The hospitals were identified as “high performing” in U.S. News’ Best Hospitals for Maternity Care, serving at least 20 Black patients per year with 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 for Black patients.

Advocate Health is dedicated to advancing health equity, particularly in maternal care, as stated by Kinneil Coltman, executive vice president and chief community and social impact officer for Advocate Health. The organization aims to reduce preventable deaths and ensure every mother receives quality care and support during birth and beyond.

Atrium Health in the Southeast is actively addressing Black maternal health disparities by recruiting a more diverse residency class and expanding mobile services to underserved communities through the Atrium Health Women’s Care Drive to Thrive initiative. Advocate Health Care and Aurora Health Care in Illinois and Wisconsin are also making significant progress in closing the gap in c-section rates between Black and white patients.

Dr. Ann Windsor, vice president of the women’s health service line at Advocate Health Care and Aurora Health Care, expressed gratitude for the national recognition, attributing it to the dedicated team of OB-GYN physicians and nurses providing high-quality, individualized care to all patients. This recognition underscores the commitment of these hospitals to ensuring equitable care for women at all stages of life.