U.S. News & World Report Recognizes Dignity Health—Bakersfield Memorial Hospital’s Excellent Black Patient Outcomes For Black Maternal Health Week 2024

Bakersfield, CA, April 11, 2024 – Bakersfield Memorial Hospital has been recognized for its success in supporting Black maternal health by U.S. News & World Report for Black Maternal Health Week 2024.

“This recognition is a testament to the commitment that our exceptional maternity teams at Memorial Hospital have towards reducing the disparities that black women face in maternal health,” said Ken Keller, President & CEO of Memorial Hospital. “Our staff remains effortlessly dedicated to providing high-quality equitable care to all of our patients.” 

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).

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About Bakersfield Memorial Hospital 

Dignity Health Memorial Hospital is a 385 bed acute care medical center offering a full range of services including the Sarvanand Heart and Brain Center, S.A. Camp Companies Burn Unit at the Grossman Burn Center, expanded maternity and family care, the Lauren Small Children’s Center including the area’s only dedicated pediatric emergency room, orthopedic services, wound care center, 24-hour emergency care and general/outpatient surgery. Memorial Hospital is a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital and is home to the Bakersfield Ronald McDonald House and Hope House. A member of CommonSpirit Health, Dignity Health Memorial Hospital is a trusted community partner, serving residents of Bakersfield and Kern County with quality, compassionate care since 1956. Learn more at dignityhealth.org/bakersfieldmemorial.

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.