LANCASTER, PA — The Pennsylvania Departments of Labor & Industry (L&I) and Health (DOH) have introduced a new initiative allowing residents to receive on-the-spot birth certificates at PA CareerLink® locations. The pilot program, which launched Monday at PA CareerLink® Lancaster County, aims to remove a critical barrier to employment, enabling more Pennsylvanians to join the workforce efficiently.
This service, available exclusively to those born in Pennsylvania, reflects Governor Shapiro’s commitment to boosting workforce participation by addressing common obstacles like the lack of essential documentation. “Having access to your birth certificate shouldn’t be what holds you back from starting a new job or applying for housing,” said L&I Secretary Nancy A. Walker. “Initiatives such as this represent how we are removing barriers, expanding opportunity, and getting stuff done for Pennsylvanians.”
The Department of Health has also emphasized the program’s significance in expediting access to birth certificates. “We value this partnership with Labor & Industry to benefit Pennsylvanians,” remarked Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen. She also urged residents to avoid third-party vendors, highlighting that the DOH’s Division of Vital Records provides “the fastest and least expensive way” to obtain official birth certificates.
The pilot launch event, which served both pre-registered individuals and walk-ins, featured a community resource fair in collaboration with local partners. Federal Wagner-Peyser funding entirely supports the program, aligning with state efforts to streamline critical services.
Set to expand later this year, including during PA CareerLink® Awareness Days, the initiative underscores the administration’s collaborative approach to modernizing public services. By tackling documentation barriers, this program holds the promise of facilitating economic opportunity for Pennsylvanians statewide.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.