U.S. News & World Report Recognizes WakeMed for Black Maternal Health Week 2024

RALEIGH, N.C. (April 11, 2024) – WakeMed has been recognized for its success in supporting Black maternal health by U.S. News & World Report for Black Maternal Health Week 2024.

Following U.S. News’ analysis of all High-Performing Maternity Care Hospitals in the U.S., only 26 hospitals nationwide – including WakeMed Cary Hospital, WakeMed North Hospital and WakeMed Raleigh Campus – achieved excellent outcomes for cesarean section and unexpected newborn complications among Black patients.

Data from WakeMed Raleigh Campus and WakeMed North Hospital, which operates under the Raleigh Campus license, were combined for this performance ranking.

“WakeMed’s mission is to provide equitable, compassionate care to all,” said Angela Gantt, MD, MPH, FACOG, a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist and executive medical director for Women’s Services at WakeMed. “To deliver on that mission, we address existing health disparities and examine our own care outcomes aiming to close gaps and improve care. We take pride in practicing evidenced-based medicine that maximizes maternal health and the well-being of Black mothers and infants. Our focus will continue to be on equity interventions to ensure safe, quality care for all birthing people and their babies.”

Held annually on April 11-17th, Black Maternal Health Week is a week-long campaign founded and led by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance to build awareness, activism, and community-building to amplify the voices, perspectives and lived experiences of Black Mamas and birthing people.

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.

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 WakeMed Health & Hospitals

Serving the community since 1961, WakeMed is a not-for-profit health care system founded and based in Raleigh, N.C. WakeMed exists to improve the health and well-being of our community by providing outstanding and compassionate care to all. WakeMed’s 970-bed system comprises a network of facilities throughout the Triangle area, including three full-service hospitals, eight emergency departments, a dedicated Children’s Hospital and Rehabilitation Hospital, more than 165 practice offices and Wake County’s only Level I Trauma Center. WakeMed’s mission-driven team includes more than 11,400 employees, 1,200 volunteers and 1,300 affiliated physicians, along with the more than 838 physicians and advanced practice providers with WakeMed Physician Practices—all representing the best minds and the biggest hearts and the finest quality in health care and community health. For more information, visit www.wakemed.org or follow WakeMed on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. 
 

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.

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