Capital Health Medical Center - Hopewell has been recognized for its success in supporting black maternal health by U.S. News & World Report. 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.
“This recognition for excellence in maternal outcomes for black patients underscores our dedication to the health and well-being of the growing families we serve in Mercer County and nearby neighborhoods,” said Dr. Kira Przybylko, medical director of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Capital Health. “Thanks to the excellent teams in our Maternity Services Program, we continue to demonstrate our commitment to equity and let mothers and their loved ones know that their babies will have the healthiest and safest start possible.”
Capital Health started 2024 off by being named among the best in the nation on the U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals for Maternity list and one of 73 in the country to earn its “Maternity Care Access Hospital” designation by serving communities that would otherwise be maternity care deserts.
More recently, Capital Health was also one of three anchor tenants approved by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) to lead the Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Center (MIHIC) in Trenton. The three entities, which also includes Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, and Trenton Health Team, will work collaboratively to provide services focused on addressing a myriad of issues around maternal and infant health in Trenton and across New Jersey, including pre- and post-natal clinical services; education programs to cultivate the perinatal workforce; and social and wrap-around services. The NJEDA is developing the MIHIC in partnership with the Office of First Lady Tammy Murphy and the newly established Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Authority (MIHIA) which will oversee the MIHIC’s day-to-day operations long term. The MIHIC is a central component to First Lady Tammy Murphy’s Nurture NJ initiative and will serve as a hub for New Jersey’s stakeholders dedicated to eliminating racial disparities and advancing maternal health equity in the state.
“The recognition by U.S. News and World Report, and our selection as an anchor tenant in the First Lady’s ambitious and visionary Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Center, speaks to our continued investment in and commitment to these very critical issues surrounding maternal and infant health,” said Samuel J. Plumeri, Jr., chairman of the Board of Trustees for Capital Health. “I am proud of all the work our teams are doing.”
“For over 125 years, Capital Health has cared for the residents of Trenton, and we are deeply committed to ensuring access to safe, high-quality care for expectant and new parents and their babies,” said Al Maghazehe, president and CEO of Capital Health. “The Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Center is a visionary opportunity to deliver much-needed clinical, educational, and social services in Trenton. I want to thank First Lady Tammy Murphy for her commitment and vision. I am also extremely proud of our clinical team and their recognition by U.S. News and World Report for their commitment to excellent maternal outcomes for black patients in the communities we serve. Together, we can have a significant impact on the health and well-being of our community.”
Capital Health earned this most recent recognition by U.S. News and World Report for supporting black maternal health after 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. According to U.S. News, a hospital that has earned a High Performing designation may be a good option for parents to consider, in consultation with their medical provider.
“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 Maternity Services Program at Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell makes up the most complete maternity facility in the area. From routine deliveries to high-risk needs, staff at the Josephine Plumeri Birthing Center at Capital Health Medical Center - Hopewell provide a full range of prenatal, obstetrical, postpartum, and neonatal care options so newborns have the greatest chance for a healthy start. The designated Regional Perinatal Center provides neonatal care, including Mercer County's only Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for at-risk births. To learn more, visit capitalhealth.org/maternity.