ARTICLE
Lakeland Regional Health has been recognized for its success in supporting Black maternal health by U.S. News & World Report for Black Maternal Health Week 2024.
“As part of the Lakeland Regional Health mission, we work to place people at the heart of all we do”, said Hal Escowitz, MD Chief Quality Officer and Chief Medical Informatics Office at Lakeland Regional Health. “It is a top priority for us to create a patient experience where our patients and families receive the best possible care. We are proud to be recognized and we will continue to work hard to provide the safest, best care for all people.”
U.S. News’ analysis of all High-Performing Maternity Care Hospitals in the U.S. identified just 26 hospitals nationwide 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.
“For Black Maternal Health Week 2024, we celebrate these hospitals' success in their important work supporting and advancing Black maternal health as part of U.S. News’ ongoing commitment to health equity and our support of women’s access to maternity care,” said Jennifer Winston, Ph.D., health data scientist at U.S. News.
A hospital that has earned a High Performing designation may be a good option for parents, in consultation with their medical provider, to consider.
Founded by Black Mamas Matter Alliance (BMMA), Black Maternal Health Week is held every April as part of National Minority Health Month; this year is the seventh annual observation of Black Maternal Health Week. Join the conversation for Black Maternal Health Week 2024 from April 11-17, 2024 using #BMHW24 on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X (formerly Twitter).