Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital recognized for maternity care

High birth rating

For the fifth consecutive year, Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford has achieved the “High Performing” designation for maternity care from U.S. News & World Report.

U.S. News evaluates hospitals based on cesarean section rates, rates of early elective delivery, complication rates among newborns, breastfeeding support, and the availability of vaginal births after cesarean, comparing over 800 U.S. hospitals that participated in a 2024 survey. Fewer than half achieved the “High Performing” status.

The ranking methodology considers various quality measures, including patient outcomes such as mortality and infection rates, available clinical resources and adherence to best practices.

Making its nut

After making it past the halfway mark toward its $150,000 holiday fundraising goal, Peninsula Lively Arts—the producing organization behind Peninsula Ballet Theatre—opted to go ahead with all three of its “Nutcracker” productions.

“Nutcracker Sweets,” “Hip-Hop Nutcracker” and the classic “Nutcracker” ballet will run December 6-21. Tickets are:$35-$65 at www.peninsulalivelyarts.org.

Donations are still being accepted at www.peninsulalivelyarts.org/ways-to-support or by contacting Peninsula Lively Arts Interim Executive Director Debbie Chinn at dchinn@peninsulalivelyarts.org.

Blood drive

Vitalant is hosting a Dec. 28 blood drive, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., at Etz Chayim in Palo Alto. All donors will be eligible to win the Big $20,000 Giveaway. One donor’s name will be drawn to win a prepaid gift card of their choice. Plus, those who donate and opt in to Vitalant Donor Rewards will get a $15 gift card and a mystery item from the rewards store.

For more information and to make an appointment, visit vitalant.org or call 877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825).