DOVER — America’s Health Rankings’ 2023 Health of Women and Children Report ranks Delaware first in the nation for hospital maternity practices.

“Delaware hospitals are committed to providing the highest quality infant and maternity care,” said Brian Frazee, president and CEO of the Delaware Healthcare Association. “We are proud to be first in the nation for the quality of care that Delaware hospitals provide to birthing individuals and their babies.”

Dr. Garrett Colmorgen, chair of the Delaware Perinatal Quality Collaborative, agreed.

“Delaware hospital maternal health leaders meet regularly to discuss strategies to improve the quality of care for mothers and babies in Delaware. This collaboration, known as the Delaware Perinatal Quality Collaborative, will continue to work to ensure that mothers and babies in Delaware receive the best care possible,” he said.

The report analyzed data using 122 measures from 34 distinct sources. The hospital maternity practices ranking is based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Maternity Practices in Infant Nutrition and Care Survey score. That score is developed via birth facility policies and practices regarding maternity care.

The report cites Delaware’s high score as one of its strengths in terms of the health of women and children. It also cites some of the state’s challenge areas, including the high injury/death rate among women and the low Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children coverage among eligible children ages 0-4.

The Delaware Healthcare Association and member hospitals will continue leading efforts that ensure quality of care and working collaboratively to achieve the goal of all Delawareans reaching optimal health.