2024 US News Black Maternal Health

Saint Francis Hospital has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of just 26 hospitals in the nation for exemplary care and quality measures for Black maternal health. Saint Francis Hospital is the only hospital in Oklahoma and the entire Southern Midwest region of the U.S. to earn this recognition announced during Black Maternal Health Week 2024.

Additionally, in the 2024 rankings for overall maternity care, Saint Francis Hospital and Saint Francis Hospital South once again ranked as high performing. The hospitals are two of only three high-performing hospitals in the state for maternity care.

“Our maternity care team works tirelessly to provide the best outcomes possible for mothers and babies in our region,” says Dr. Candice Meyer, medical director of Women’s Services at Saint Francis Hospital. “Strengthening healthcare equity among all our patients is a health system priority. This recognition is an important milestone, which reinforces our dedication.”

The U.S. News analysis of all High-Performing Maternity Care Hospitals in the U.S. identified just 26 hospitals nationwide for achieving excellent outcomes for cesarean section and unexpected newborn complications among Black patients.

“During 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.

The U.S. News Best Hospitals for Maternity Care methodology is based entirely on objective measures of quality, such as C-section rates in lower-risk pregnancies, newborn complication rates, exclusive breast feeding rates and early elective delivery rates, among others.

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.

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.

About Saint Francis Health System

Founded in 1960 by Natalie O. and William K. Warren, Sr., Saint Francis is a Catholic, not-for-profit health system owned and operated in Tulsa, Oklahoma whose mission is to extend the presence and healing ministry of Christ to all who seek its services. The health system is anchored by Saint Francis Hospital, a 1,100-bed tertiary center, which includes a 162-bed Children’s Hospital with the region’s only level IV neonatal intensive care unit, a 168-bed heart hospital and Tulsa’s leading trauma and emergency center.

The health system also includes Saint Francis Hospital South; Saint Francis Hospital Muskogee; Saint Francis Hospital Vinita; Saint Francis Glenpool; and Laureate Psychiatric Clinic and Hospital—a 90-bed private, psychiatric facility recognized nationally for its eating disorders program. Additionally, Saint Francis employs more than 600 physicians and advanced practice providers through the Warren Clinic, which serves the region with over 100 locations throughout eastern Oklahoma.

To further Saint Francis’ commitment to integrated healthcare delivery, it also operates a home care division, which includes hospice, home health and durable medical equipment companies. In total, the organization has more than 11,000 employees, making it the largest private employer in Eastern Oklahoma. Saint Francis’ mission and Catholic identity guide and direct all facets of its ministry to provide for the medical, psychological and spiritual needs of the communities it proudly serves.