U.S. News & World Report has named Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast as a 2026 High Performing hospital for Maternity Care ‒ the highest award a hospital can earn as part of U.S. News’ Best Hospitals for Maternity Care annual study.
Sacred Heart Emerald Coast earned a High Performing designation in recognition of maternity care as measured by factors such as C-section rates in lower-risk pregnancies, severe unexpected newborn complication rates, exclusive breast milk feeding rates, and birthing-friendly practices, among other measures.
“This award speaks to the dedication of our associates to the families we serve,” said Trey Abshier, President and CEO of Sacred Heart Emerald Coast. “We continue to find ways to improve care for moms and babies including the recent addition of the Maternal Telehealth Program, OB hospitalist and OB emergency care.”
U.S. News began evaluating maternity care hospitals in 2021, rating hospitals that provide labor and delivery services and submit detailed data to the publication for analysis. For the 2026 edition, approximately 900 hospitals nationwide submitted maternity data for evaluation. Best Hospitals for Maternity Care ratings are intended to assist expectant parents, in consultation with their prenatal care providers, in making informed decisions about where to receive maternity services that best meet their family’s needs.
“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.”
Sacred Heart Emerald Coast participates in initiatives to help moms and babies have a healthy start. The newest is a Maternal Telehealth Program in partnership with the Florida Department of Health. In addition the hospital is Maternal Levels of Health verified by The Joint Commission and participates in an armband program to help identify new moms to prioritize them when they seek care.
Sacred Heart Emerald Coast Family Birth Place was also recognized in Newsweek’s 2025 list of America’s Best Maternity Care Hospitals at the highest five ribbon level. The hospital provides the only NICU serving families close to home in Walton and Okaloosa Counties. The Level II NICU cares for babies born at 30 weeks and up or weighing just under 3 pounds. In July, the birth place added 24/7 OB emergency care and OB hospitals to increase the level of care for families.
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