Evangelical Community Hospital Designated a “Birthing-Friendly” Hospital

Dozens of Pennsylvania hospitals have been recognized with a new federal designation of “Birthing-Friendly” hospital and Evangelical Community Hospital through The Family Place is among them. In early November, the Biden administration launched the new hospital designation to recognize high-quality maternity care.

The designation identifies hospitals and health systems that participate in a statewide or national perinatal quality improvement collaborative program and that implement evidence-based care to improve maternal health.

According to Statista, in 2021 there were 185 Pennsylvania hospitals and 5,157 hospitals across the United States, under both non-profit and private ownership. The new Birthing-Friendly designation was given to 71 Pennsylvania hospitals and 2,200 facilities total.

“The hospitals and health systems that are designated as ‘Birthing-Friendly’ are an important tool for consumers in their search for first-rate care,” Xavier Becerra, Secretary for the Department of Health and Human Services, said in a statement. “We will continue to take action to further advance maternity care quality, safety, and equity.”

The new designation aims to improve outcomes, as 80 percent of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable, with concerning disparities among racial and ethnic minority groups. The new designation is a “a step towards ensuring that all pregnant and post-partum people can find high-quality maternity care” according to a federal government statement.

“The Family Place has a long history of providing exceptional care before, during, and after the birth experience for mothers in our area, some even choosing to travel longer distances to give birth at Evangelical Community Hospital,” said Kelly Solomon, Director of Maternal Child Care at The Family Place.

“Our staff consistently rise to the highest standards of care for the mothers and babies entrusted to them during this most special time of life. It’s because of their commitment to the best possible patient experience that we continue to deliver high-quality outcomes.”

For more information on The Family Place at Evangelical Community Hospital, visit www.EvanHospital.com/WomensHealth.