Colleton Medical Center
January 19, 2024

Colleton Medical Center Labor and Delivery is proud to be recognized by BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina with a Blue Distinction® Centers (BDC) for Maternity Care designation as part of the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program.

The Blue Distinction Centers for Maternity Care program plays a key role in the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association’s (BCBSA) National Health Equity Strategy aimed at reducing racial health disparities across the care spectrum and improving patient outcomes for all Americans. To align with this strategy, the Blue Distinction Centers for Maternity Care program enhanced its quality and measurement standards to recognize higher-quality facilities that have taken action to respond effectively to obstetric emergencies, reduce racial disparities, and improve maternal health outcomes.

“I am proud, but not surprised to see the Colleton Medical Center Labor and Delivery Unit recognized by BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina for meeting the rigorous quality criteria for maternity care set by the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program,” said Jimmy Hiott, Colleton Medical Center CEO. “This recognition is a reflection of our team’s commitment to providing high-quality, safe, and compassionate care.”

“Congratulations to the entire Labor and Delivery team at Colleton Medical Center for achieving recognition through the Blue Distinction Specialty Care Program. Your commitment to quality is evident in the exceptional care provided daily to BlueCross members. The dedication to helping members manage their care is a testament to the ongoing efforts to improve health outcomes,” said Dr. Nate Henderson, BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina chief medical officer. 

The Blue Distinction Centers for Maternity Care selection criteria was devised to close clinical care gaps and reduce inequities that persist throughout the maternal care spectrum. The selection criteria include components of BCBSA’s Maternal Health Equity Actions, which dismantle the cultural, operational and structural barriers that created inequities in maternal care.

To be designated under this program, each applicant facility was evaluated on a combination of objective data on patient outcomes as well as the practices implemented to reduce racial disparities and improve maternal health outcomes.