Unnamed : “Overlook Medical Center Leads in Black Maternal Health Outcomes”

Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Overlook Medical Center Black Maternal Health Outcomes
2. U.S. News & World Report Black Patient Outcomes Overlook Medical Center

Overlook Medical Center in Summit, NJ, part of Atlantic Health System, has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report for its exceptional support of Black maternal health during Black Maternal Health Week 2024. The hospital is undergoing a major modernization project to enhance maternity care, with a focus on creating a safe and equitable environment for all patients, particularly those from diverse and underserved communities. U.S. News identified Overlook as one of just 26 hospitals nationwide excelling in outcomes for cesarean sections and newborn complications among Black patients. This recognition underscores the hospital’s commitment to providing exemplary care to all families.

Overlook Medical Center Recognized for Supporting Black Maternal Health

SUMMIT, NJ (Union County) – The renowned Atlantic Health System’s Overlook Medical Center in Summit, New Jersey, has recently been acknowledged for its outstanding commitment to supporting Black maternal health by U.S. News & World Report during Black Maternal Health Week 2024.

Stephanie Schwartz, MHSA, FACHE, Senior Vice President of Atlantic Health System and President of Overlook Medical Center, expressed pride in the recognition received. Schwartz stated, “Overlook is proud to be the destination of choice for a growing number of patients as they welcome new members of their families. As the diversity of our families continues to grow, we are investing in maternity care at Overlook. This recognition reflects the environment we have created to ensure that Black patients and families are supported with exemplary care during this special time in their lives.”

Modernization of the Frank & Mimi Walsh Maternity Center

Currently, Overlook Medical Center is in the process of modernizing its Frank & Mimi Walsh Maternity Center. This transformative project aims to triple the number of private rooms in the maternity department, enhance patient-centered care, and establish new resources for families. The initiative is part of a multi-phase plan to expand and upgrade Overlook Medical Center.

In recent years, Overlook has experienced a surge in deliveries, accompanied by an increase in families from diverse backgrounds and underserved populations. Situated near some of the most diverse and historically underserved communities in New Jersey, Overlook has seen more than half of its maternity patients identifying as a race/ethnicity other than white in 2021.

Building an Equitable Continuum of Care

The maternity project at Overlook Medical Center aims to construct a safe, high-quality, and equitable continuum of care for all pregnant and postpartum mothers, especially the growing population of high-risk patients. The initiative is supported by The Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey, which focuses on reducing healthcare disparities and improving access to quality healthcare for vulnerable populations in the greater Newark, NJ area and the Jewish community of Greater MetroWest NJ.

Recognition by U.S. News

U.S. News identified Overlook Medical Center among the 26 hospitals nationwide that achieved excellent outcomes for cesarean section and unexpected newborn complications among Black patients. These hospitals were rated High Performing in U.S. News’ Best Hospitals for Maternity Care, serving at least 20 Black patients per year, with newborn complication rates below 2.62% and c-section rates below 23.9% among Black patients.

“For Black Maternal Health Week 2024, we celebrate these hospitals’ success in 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.

Black Maternal Health Week

Founded by Black Mamas Matter Alliance (BMMA), Black Maternal Health Week is held annually in April as part of National Minority Health Month. This year marks the seventh annual observation of Black Maternal Health Week.