Horizon Healthcare Achieves Recognition for Excellence in Maternity Care

UPMC Horizon Earns High Performing Status in Maternity Care for 2026

FARRELL, PA – UPMC Horizon has achieved distinction as a High Performing hospital for maternity care in the 2026 rankings released by U.S. News & World Report. This prestigious recognition underscores the hospital’s commitment to delivering exceptional maternal healthcare services in a region where such services are vital.

Each year, UPMC hospitals provide obstetric care for approximately 25,000 births, with UPMC Horizon alone accounting for over 1,000 deliveries. This figure reflects UPMC’s ongoing dedication to offering families reliable and high-quality maternity services, a reputation bolstered by its latest designation from U.S. News & World Report.

Dave Patton, president of UPMC Horizon and UPMC Jameson, expressed pride in this recognition. He stated, “This prestigious recognition is a testament to the unwavering dedication and skill of our entire team at UPMC Horizon. Every day, our physicians, nurses, and staff strive to deliver outstanding maternity care and heartfelt support to families in Mercer and Lawrence counties and beyond.” Patton emphasized the importance of these milestones in the lives of patients and reiterated the hospital’s commitment to ensuring a safe and supportive birthing experience for all families.

In addition to UPMC Horizon, five other UPMC hospitals also earned the High Performing status in maternity care for the current evaluation period. Furthermore, seven UPMC facilities received the Maternity Care Access designation, highlighting a network-wide commitment to quality maternal healthcare.

The evaluation criteria employed by U.S. News & World Report involved a comprehensive analysis of nearly 900 hospitals across the nation. The assessment focused on critical quality metrics such as cesarean-section rates in lower-risk pregnancies, unexpected severe complications in newborns, rates of exclusive breast milk feeding, and the implementation of birthing-friendly practices.

Moreover, UPMC Horizon’s designation as a Maternity Care Access Hospital highlights its role in addressing health disparities within local communities. This recognition is particularly significant as it underscores the hospital’s commitment to serving regions that might otherwise lack adequate maternity services. Patton noted, “As the only healthcare system in Mercer and Lawrence counties to provide obstetric services, this designation reflects the exceptional care delivered every day by our extraordinary team who truly define world-class care.”

Out of the 900 hospitals assessed, only 147, representing about 16%, were honored with the Maternity Care Access designation. UPMC Horizon joins the ranks of UPMC Altoona, UPMC Carlisle, UPMC Chautauqua, UPMC Northwest, and UPMC Western Maryland, collectively affirming UPMC’s reputation as a leading provider of maternal healthcare services in Pennsylvania and beyond. This recognition not only reinforces the individual achievements of these hospitals but also highlights the importance of continued investment in maternity care access and quality across the healthcare system.