PITTSBURGH, PA — Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposed 2025-2026 budget outlines a significant investment in maternal health, including $5 million to support universal postpartum depression screenings for all Pennsylvania mothers. Shapiro Administration officials highlighted this initiative during a recent event at the Alexis Joy D’Achille Center for Perinatal Mental Health in Pittsburgh, emphasizing the critical need for early identification and treatment to safeguard the well-being of mothers and their families.
Postpartum depression impacts one in eight mothers nationally, presenting symptoms such as sadness, anxiety, mood swings, and even thoughts of self-harm. “For more than two decades, as a pediatrician, I worked with new mothers and their babies and saw firsthand the impact pregnancy-related depression has on women and their families,” said Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen. “Implementing universal postpartum depression screenings and referrals to evidence-based treatment options for all Pennsylvania mothers is a meaningful action we can take to ensure women receive the care they need during a critical time in their lives.”
The initiative takes a multi-agency approach, with contributions from the Departments of Human Services (DHS), Health (DOH), and Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP). Officials stressed the gravity of the issue, as more than half of pregnancy-related deaths occur between one week and one year postpartum, with mental health being a leading cause. DHS Special Advisor Sara Goulet emphasized the importance of screening and connecting mothers with timely care. “Addressing this crisis and helping mothers get the care they need requires a comprehensive approach where mothers are safe and empowered to speak honestly about what they are experiencing so they can be quickly connected to follow-up care,” she said.
The Alexis Joy D’Achille Center, a leading institution in perinatal mental health, plays a key role in the effort to expand resources for new mothers. “Investing in comprehensive services is not just a matter of compassion; it’s a critical public health imperative,” said Dr. Ewurama Sackey, Medical Director of AHN’s Women’s Behavioral Health program. UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital Chief of Psychiatry Dr. Priya Gopalan echoed this sentiment, highlighting the value of integrated care programs in supporting postpartum mothers.
The $5 million allocation is part of a broader Maternal Health Strategic Plan informed by data from the Pennsylvania Maternal Mortality Review Committee, statewide surveys, and regional listening sessions. The Shapiro Administration has also established a Division of Maternal Health Services within DOH to oversee critical initiatives.
By promoting universal screenings, educating healthcare providers, and prioritizing maternal mental health, the administration aims to reduce preventable maternal fatalities and create healthier families. “We are focused on making sure pregnant and mothering individuals not only survive before, during, and after a pregnancy—but thrive,” said DDAP Deputy Secretary Kelly Primus.
This initiative aims to not only address the physical health of pregnant and postpartum individuals, but also their mental well-being.
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