Shapiro Administration Bolsters Maternal Health with New Initiatives and Funding

DOH Maternal HealthCredit: Commonwealth Media Services

HERSHEY, PA — The Shapiro Administration has announced a comprehensive strategy to improve maternal health outcomes in Pennsylvania. This effort includes funding for four regional maternal health coalitions and a commitment to addressing maternal mortality and inequities in healthcare for mothers and babies.

Penn State Health Children’s Hospital is among the beneficiaries of this initiative, receiving funds for coalition efforts to collect and analyze data, identify factors contributing to maternal mortality and morbidity, and develop targeted strategies. Each coalition will receive $300,000 annually through June 2027, with potential for renewal.

“One of the best ways to improve the health of mothers and babies is to lean into local organizations who know their community and are doing the ‘boots on the ground’ work every day,” said Dr. Debra Bogen, Pennsylvania’s Health Secretary. “Providing financial resources to these maternal health coalitions supports their work to develop locally responsive and effective strategies to help Pennsylvania’s mothers, babies, and families thrive.”

The state’s investment also builds upon recommendations from the 2024 Pennsylvania Maternal Mortality Review Committee (MMRC) report. The goal is to reduce pregnancy-associated deaths, which are disproportionately higher among Black mothers, through data-driven solutions and expanded access to care.

Governor Josh Shapiro’s bipartisan 2024-2025 budget allocated a $2.6 million increase to maternal health programs. This funding will support the creation of a Maternal Health Strategic Plan, expanded Medicaid coverage for doulas, and the Division of Maternal Health Services, among other initiatives.

Nationally, maternal mortality remains a pressing issue, with the United States recording the highest rates among developed nations. Pennsylvania has not been immune. “The United States has the highest maternal mortality rate compared to other nations with large economies, and rates of maternal mortality among individual racial and ethnic groups in this country exceed those of entire nations – with the vast majority of deaths being preventable,” said Sara Goulet, Special Advisor to the Department of Human Services.

Enhancing resources for local coalitions represents a critical component of this effort. The funded organizations include Penn State University for South Central Pennsylvania, the Family Health Council of Central Pennsylvania, Inc., Maternal and Family Health Services, Inc. in Northeast Pennsylvania, and the Maternity Care Coalition in Southeast Pennsylvania.

“Our coalition is committed to being a driving force for positive change in maternal health,” said Dr. Kristin Sznajder, Assistant Professor of Public Health Sciences at Penn State College of Medicine. “By connecting academic research, clinical care and community-based solutions, we are creating a model for improving maternal health equity here in Central Pennsylvania.”

The Shapiro Administration’s initiatives aim to empower local communities, improve access to care, and ultimately save lives, underscoring a shared commitment to reducing maternal mortality and ensuring healthier futures for Pennsylvania families.

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