FARRELL, Pa. – UPMC Horizon once again achieved the highest distinction as a 2026 High Performing hospital for maternity care from U.S. News & World Report.
Each year, nearly 25,000 babies are born in UPMC hospitals that provide obstetric care, including more than 1,000 at UPMC Horizon, highlighting UPMC’s reputation as a reliable choice for families who want top-quality maternity services, a news release states.
“This prestigious recognition is a testament to the unwavering dedication and skill of our entire team at UPMC Horizon,” said Dave Patton, president of UPMC Horizon and UPMC Jameson. “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. We are honored to be part of such meaningful milestones in our patients’ lives, and this recognition reaffirms our promise to provide the safest, most supportive birthing experience possible for every family we serve.”
Alongside UPMC Horizon, five other UPMC hospitals also earned High Performing status in maternity care. In addition, seven UPMC hospitals earned the Maternity Care Access designation.
U.S. News & World Report evaluated nearly 900 hospitals nationwide. Hospitals were assessed on critical quality metrics, including cesarean-section rates in lower-risk pregnancies, severe unexpected newborn complication rates, exclusive breast milk feeding rates and birthing-friendly practices, among other measures.
Additionally, UPMC Horizon has been recognized as a Maternity Care Access Hospital by U.S. News & World Report. This designation honors hospitals that provide access to quality care for expectant parents, serving communities that would otherwise be considered maternity care deserts.
“As the only health care system in Mercer and Lawrence counties to provide obstetric services, for UPMC Horizon this designation reflects the exceptional care delivered every day by our extraordinary team who truly define world-class care,” Patton added.
Of the 900 hospitals nationwide that were evaluated for the 2026 ratings, just 147 hospitals – or 16% of all evaluated hospitals – have been designated as Maternity Care Access Hospitals.
UPMC Horizon joins UPMC Altoona, UPMC Carlisle, UPMC Chautauqua, UPMC Northwest and UPMC Western Maryland in this recognition.