The Columbus Regional Health birthing center is being recognized by Blue Cross Blue Shield Association as a Blue Distinction Plus center for maternity care.

The award recognizes hospitals across the nation for clinical quality and efficiency in delivering specialty care, says Kelsey DeClue, spokeswoman for the hospital. She says the insurance network makes the designations to give customers credible standards for healthcare service choices.

The birthing center staff delivers more than 1,200 babies a year, DeClue said.