WASHINGTON, D.C. – July 23, 2026 - The Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) is proud to announce the inaugural recipients of hospitals earning the AWHONN Respectful Maternity Care (RMC) Designation, recognizing organizations that have demonstrated a commitment to fostering a culture of respectful, equitable, patient-centered maternity care.
The AWHONN Respectful Maternity Care Designation recognizes hospitals that have implemented evidence-based practices, engaged multidisciplinary teams, and demonstrated a commitment to improving the maternity care experience for every patient, every interaction, every time.
“The inaugural recipients represent organizations that are leading the way in advancing respectful maternity care," said Sarah Copple, Director, Perinatal Programs at AWHONN, "Their dedication to creating safe, compassionate, and equitable care environments sets an example for hospitals across the country and reflects AWHONN's vision for excellence in maternity care."
AWHONN gratefully acknowledges Huggies® Healthcare™ for its generous support of the implementation of the Respectful Maternity Care Program and Designation. This support has helped advance the adoption of respectful, equitable, and patient-centered maternity care practices and recognize organizations committed to this important work.
“Huggies believes every family deserves to feel respected, supported, and cared for throughout their maternity journey, and we are proud to support AWHONN’s Respectful Maternity Care Program,” said Scott Glenn, Vice President for Huggies diapers. “We congratulate the inaugural designation recipients for their commitment to advancing compassionate, equitable, and patient-centered care for mothers and babies. Together, we can help create better experiences and outcomes for families during some of life’s most important moments.”
The inaugural recipients of RMC Designation- Spring 2026 includes:
Sentara Albemarle Medical Center - Bronze
Sentara CarePlex Hospital - Bronze
Sentara Leigh Hospital - Bronze
Sentara Obici Hospital - Bronze
Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital - Bronze
Sentara Norfolk General Hospital - Bronze
Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center - Bronze
Sentara Princess Anne Hospital - Bronze
Sentara RMH Medical Center - Bronze
Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center- Bronze
Each organization completed a comprehensive process designed to assess and strengthen its approach to respectful maternity care, including leadership engagement, staff education, quality improvement initiatives, and organizational commitment to patient-centered care.
“This recognition reflects the work our teams have already been doing and strengthens our focus on making sure every patient, every interaction, and every moment of care reflects that same level of respect and communication. As we move forward, it’s about building consistency, so every family feels the difference," said Amber Price, Sentara System CNO.
The Respectful Maternity Care Designation is part of AWHONN's broader commitment to improving maternal and newborn outcomes by supporting organizations in creating cultures where dignity, respect, safety, and equity are embedded into every aspect of care.
Hospitals interested in pursuing the designation can learn more at https://www.awhonn.org/respectful-maternity-care/designation/ .
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