PORTLAND, ORE. (April 11, 2024) − Kaiser Permanente Westside Medical Center has been recognized for its success in supporting Black maternal health by U.S. News & World Report for Black Maternal Health Week 2024.
“We are proud that Kaiser Permanente is being recognized for its excellence in maternity care for Black and African American patients,” said Elizabeth Melendez, M.D., Chief of Hospital Obstetrics, for Kaiser Permanente Northwest. “Our care model includes certified nurse midwives, family medicine physicians, obstetricians, and perinatologists. Our integrated team approach is key to closing health disparity gaps, improving maternal health outcomes, and providing equitable care for everyone, while supporting the individual needs of our patients throughout pregnancy and delivery.”
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 and served at least 20 Black patients per year. They 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).
About Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and nonprofit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.5 million members in 8 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. For more information, go to about.kp.org.
About U.S. News & World Report
U.S. News & World Report is the global leader in quality rankings that empower consumers, business leaders and policy officials to make better, more informed decisions about important issues affecting their lives and communities. A multifaceted digital media company with Education, Health, Money, Travel, Cars, News, Real Estate, Careers and 360 Reviews platforms, U.S. News provides rankings, independent reporting, data journalism, consumer advice and U.S. News Live events. More than 40 million people visit USNews.com each month for research and guidance. Founded in 1933, U.S. News is headquartered in Washington, D.C.