Salinas Valley Health Nationally Recognized for Maternity Care

Salinas, CA, − U.S. News & World Report has named Salinas Valley Health a 2026 High Performing hospital for Maternity Care. This is the highest award a hospital can earn as part of U.S. News’ Best Hospitals for Maternity Care annual study.

U.S. News began evaluating maternity care hospitals in 2021, rating hospitals that provide labor and delivery services and submit detailed data for analysis. Salinas Valley Health earned a High Performing designation in recognition of maternity care as measured by objective quality metrics including cesarean delivery rates, early elective delivery rates, routine vaginal birth after cesarean delivery (VBAC) rates, commitment to equity and the availability of advanced maternal and newborn care. The recognition places Salinas Valley Health among an elite group of healthcare providers committed to maternal health excellence.

"We are proud of our legacy of delivering high quality maternal care to our community,” said Allen Radner, MD, Salinas Valley Health President/CEO.  “This award underscores the dedication of our skilled obstetricians, maternity care physicians, nurses, and entire maternity team.”

Salinas Valley Health Delivers Nationally Recognized Maternity Care

• Comprehensive Maternity Services: Offering personalized care plans, advanced prenatal care, labor and delivery options, and postpartum support.
• Commitment to Safety: Adherence to evidence-based practices that prioritize the health and safety of both mothers and newborns.
• Innovative Practices: Access to advanced technology, high-risk pregnancy care, and specialized support for a variety of birthing preferences.
• Focus on Family-Centered Care: Providing a nurturing environment that emphasizes bonding, breastfeeding support, and educational resources for new parents.

“This recognition highlights not just our clinical expertise, but also the care and compassion we extend to every patient and their family," says Julie Vasher, DNP, RNC-OB, CNS, NE-BC, Salinas Valley Health Director Women's & Children's Services. "We are proud to offer expectant parents a wide range of services to support them as they embark on one of life’s most important journeys."

“Hospitals designated as a U.S. News Best Hospital for Maternity Care are national leaders. This recognition means they are consistently hitting crucial patient safety benchmarks compared to other hospitals,” said Jennifer Winston, Ph.D., health data scientist at U.S. News. “It's a clear signal to expectant parents about where the highest standards of care are being practiced – when parents see this designation, they can be assured they are choosing a hospital dedicated to exceptional, evidence-based maternity care.”

Salinas Valley Health is a designated Baby-Friendly Hospital as recognized by the World Health Organization and UNICEF. Maternity Care at Salinas Valley Health includes private rooms, childbirth classes, pre-delivery tours, breastfeeding and lactation services, perinatal and postpartum depression screening and services, and Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Perinatal Diagnostic Center, both operated in partnership with Stanford Medicine Children’s Health.

Media Contact: Karina Rusk
831-759-1843