RECOGNIZED — The Trinity Health System Birth Center team includes, from left, Wendy Ralston, director of nursing; Amber Christy, unit secretary; Kylie McGilton, Jocelyn Nolder and Alexis Colletti, registered nurses; Judy Davis, lactation specialist; Kelly Thompson, scrub tech; and Ave Ryan, center manager. -- Contributed

STEUBENVILLE — Trinity Health System has been recognized in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 Best Hospitals for Maternity Care Access ratings.

This designation is the highest rating a hospital can achieve for maternity care access and signifies a commitment to providing high-quality care for expecting parents. It highlights the hospital’s role in serving a community that relies on Trinity’s Birth Center for essential maternity services.

Trinity is a member of CommonSpirit Health.

This designation also addresses the growing concern of maternity care deserts across the country. U.S. News evaluated hospitals based on several critical data points reported by the facilities, including:

• C-section delivery rates

• Severe unexpected newborn complications rates

• Rates of routine vaginal birth after c-section

• Implementation of best practices to support breast milk feeding

• Exclusive breast milk feeding rates

• Episiotomy rates

• Whether each hospital met federal criteria for birthing-friendly practices

• Reporting on outcomes disparities

“This recognition reflects the unwavering commitment of our entire birth center team. Every nurse, physician and support staff member shows up each day with the shared purpose of providing safe, compassionate, evidence-based care,” said Ave Ryan, manager of Trinity’s birth center. “Being recognized for performance and access highlights what matters most to us, which is ensuring every family receives exceptional maternity and infant care. Our goal has always been to create a birth experience where families feel safe, supported and genuinely cared for. This is a testament to the heart and expertise our team brings to every patient who walks through our doors. We are deeply proud to serve this community and grateful for the trust families place in us.”

Robert Martin, market quality leader, said the award is important.

“I am profoundly grateful to our Trinity Health System team for its focus on elevating patient outcomes. Our 2025 U.S. News & World Report Maternity Care Access Hospital designation affirms our commitment to exceptional quality and service. This achievement follows our 2024 Perinatal Center of Excellence Gold Achievement within CommonSpirit Health. Our team remains steadfast in its mission to elevate the standard of care delivered to our community.”