WEST CHESTER, PA — Pennsylvania state leaders convened on Friday for a groundbreaking roundtable to address the critical intersection of maternal health and substance use disorders (SUD). The discussion, hosted by the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) and supported by state health and human services officials, sought to explore long-standing barriers to care, reduce stigma, and develop strategies to provide better outcomes for pregnant and postpartum women battling SUD.
The roundtable brought together a diverse array of stakeholders, including medical professionals, local government officials, judicial representatives, SUD treatment providers, and individuals with lived experience. This collaborative forum is part of the Shapiro Administration’s broader campaign to elevate maternal health, a priority reflected in recent budget investments and policy initiatives.
“The Shapiro Administration understands the impact of substance use disorders on pregnant and postpartum women and their children,” said Dr. Latika Davis-Jones, Secretary of DDAP. “DDAP and our sister agencies are committed to implementing a comprehensive plan to ensure that pregnant women don’t just survive before, during, and after pregnancy—but truly thrive.”
The Challenges Women Face
Substance use disorders during pregnancy often intersect with a host of complex challenges, including mental health issues, stigma, and structural barriers to accessing care. Medicaid plays a significant role in maternal health in Pennsylvania, covering an estimated 30 to 40 percent of births statewide. However, the system still struggles to overcome gaps in comprehensive care, particularly for those with SUD.
“Pregnancy and the months after giving birth are an extremely delicate time. Having access to high-quality physical and behavioral healthcare has positive lifelong effects for parents and their children,” said Dr. Val Arkoosh, Secretary of the Department of Human Services (DHS). She also emphasized how Medicaid expansion efforts aim to provide additional support for expecting mothers. Recent changes, for instance, now enable certified doulas to enroll as Medicaid providers, streamlining access to essential services.
Dr. Debra Bogen, Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH), echoed these sentiments. “Hearing directly from community members on what is working and what is not for women with substance use disorder is needed to improve maternal, infant care, and family health,” she said. “The information we receive from the listening session will help inform Pennsylvania’s maternal health strategic plan and ensure that pregnant women, their babies, and families receive the care they need.”
Fighting Stigma and Barriers to Treatment
The roundtable highlighted not only policy changes but also the role of stigma as a significant hurdle in encouraging mothers to seek SUD treatment. Individuals shared personal stories of shame and isolation, which often delay or prevent access to life-altering care.
Jamie Johnson, Executive Director of Chester County’s Department of Drug and Alcohol Services, emphasized the need for targeted programs. “Treatment programs for women and women with children help facilitate the discussion of topics that underlie a substance use disorder, including mental health, physical health, and the challenges of childcare and self-image,” Johnson said. She also outlined Chester County’s local initiatives, such as educational programs on medication safety and expanded referral systems for primary care and OB-GYN providers.
Organizations like Gaudenzia, which operates over 50 SUD facilities in Pennsylvania and neighboring states, have also demonstrated the vital role comprehensive care can play. “At Gaudenzia, we recognize the immense barriers pregnant and parenting women face when seeking care for substance use disorders—barriers often compounded by system involvement, social determinants of health, and complex family needs,” said Dr. Deja Gilbert, Gaudenzia President and CEO. The organization’s maternal health programs reflect the urgency of their work; in 2024, Gaudenzia treated 520 women in residential programs, including 87 pregnant women, and kept 374 children alongside their mothers.
A Broader Vision
This roundtable is part of Governor Shapiro’s broader strategy to tackle maternal health challenges head-on. The governor has secured a combined $4.9 million in funding over the past two fiscal budgets to prevent maternal mortality and bolster health programs. These investments aim to reduce disparities faced by vulnerable populations, particularly women navigating both pregnancy and SUD care.
While the roundtable represents progress, it also underscores the work ahead. From funding research to reducing stigma and tweaking Medicaid systems to support behavioral and physical health needs, the state officials and participants underscored the necessity of approaching maternal health holistically.
For Pennsylvania’s policymakers, this is about more than addressing substance use disorders—it’s about lifting barriers, reducing inequity, and ultimately ensuring that every woman and child can thrive. By listening to stories from the frontline and prioritizing maternal health across systems, the Shapiro Administration is marking an important step forward in improving outcomes for families across the Commonwealth.
Pennsylvanians seeking SUD treatment can call the Get Help Now hotline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). They can also use DDAP’s free online platform, Treatment Atlas, to confidentially find treatment options.
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