For the second consecutive year, Henry Community Health has earned a place on Newsweek’s prestigious list of America’s Best Maternity Hospitals. Henry Community Health (HCH) is proud to announce that it has been named to Newsweek’s America’s Best Maternity Hospitals 2026, marking the second straight year the Henry County-based health system has received this honor. For the nurses, physicians, and support staff who show up every day to care for mothers and newborns, this recognition is a reflection of something they already know: exceptional care is happening right here in our community.

What This Recognition Means

Newsweek, in partnership with global data firm Statista, evaluates hospitals across the country
using a rigorous, multi-factor methodology. To earn a spot on the list, hospitals are assessed on:

  • Hospital Quality Metrics — clinical indicators specifically relevant to maternity care
  • Patient Experience — drawn from public hospital survey data
  • Reputation Score — recommendations from healthcare professionals with specialized knowledge in neonatal and perinatal medicine, including doctors, nurses, and midwives

In short, this isn’t a popularity contest. It’s a data-driven acknowledgment that HCH is delivering maternity care at a level that stands out nationally.

The People Behind the Recognition

Awards don’t care for patients — people do. And at HCH, it’s the people that make all the difference.

“Our team works tirelessly to ensure that every mother and baby who comes through our doors receives the highest quality, most personalized care possible,” said Melissa Hethcox, Director of the Women & Children’s Unit. “Being named to this prestigious list two years in a row speaks to the heart and professionalism of our staff, and it motivates us to keep raising the bar. We are incredibly proud to serve the New Castle community and the surrounding region in such a meaningful way.”

That pride extends throughout HCH’s leadership team. “Being recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s Best Maternity Hospitals for the second consecutive year is a true reflection of the exceptional care our nursing teams provide every single day,” said Shelley Wilson, Chief Nursing Officer. “At Henry Community Health, we are deeply committed to supporting our patients and their families through every step of the maternity journey — from prenatal care through delivery and beyond.”

Cori Morris, Chief Operating Officer, echoed that sentiment: “From the hands that deliver our newest community members to the support staff who ensure a safe and comforting environment, this recognition belongs to all of you.”

Why Maternity Care Matters

HCH Mom walking down the hall with OB/GYN staff member

High-quality maternity care isn’t just about the moments surrounding birth — it has lasting implications for the long-term health of both mothers and newborns. Access to skilled, compassionate care throughout pregnancy, delivery, and the postpartum period can make a life-changing difference for families.

That’s exactly the kind of care HCH is committed to providing — not because an award demands it, but because the community deserves it.

Experience the Difference

Whether you’re expecting your first child or adding to your family, HCH’s maternity team is here for every step of the journey