SCRANTON, PA — Pennsylvania health officials said state investments in maternal and child health programs have expanded screening, mental health support, and medical care access for pregnant women and new mothers across the Commonwealth.
What This Means for You
- More than $12 million has been invested in maternal and child health programs since 2023.
- Expanded screenings and mental health programs are helping identify health risks during and after pregnancy.
- The governor’s proposed budget includes an additional $7.5 million to continue and expand maternal health programs.
Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen visited Maternal & Family Health Services in Scranton on Friday to highlight the impact of those investments and discuss ongoing initiatives aimed at improving outcomes for mothers and infants statewide.
Since January 2023, the Shapiro administration has invested $12.3 million in maternal health initiatives that officials say have increased postpartum depression screenings, expanded care for women with hypertension during pregnancy, and supported new grant programs focused on maternal and infant health.
“Since his first year in office, Governor Josh Shapiro made improving health outcomes for mothers and babies a priority,” Bogen said. “Our investments are greatly improving Pennsylvania mothers’ access to quality medical and behavioral health care.”
Expanded Screening and Health Programs
State officials said several initiatives funded through the investments are already showing measurable results.
Through the Regional Maternal Health Coalition grant program, nearly 1,100 participants in the Women, Infants, and Children program were screened for hypertension in 2025. One hundred women with elevated blood pressure were identified and referred for follow-up medical care.
Hypertension during pregnancy is a condition that can increase the risk of complications for both mother and baby if left untreated.
The administration also launched Perinatal TiPS, a program that connects health care providers with psychiatric and addiction specialists through phone consultations. Officials say the service helps providers, particularly in rural areas, access expert guidance when treating patients experiencing mental health or substance use challenges during pregnancy.
Additional Maternal Health Initiatives
Other programs supported through the state’s maternal health funding include expanded behavioral health services, doula training programs, and public education campaigns focused on pregnancy-related mental health conditions.
The Diversifying Doulas Initiative provides training opportunities for doulas, with a focus on increasing access to culturally responsive care for communities disproportionately affected by maternal health complications.
A statewide maternal behavioral health initiative has also expanded services at Pennsylvania’s Healthy Start sites, increasing screenings for postpartum depression and connecting new mothers with treatment when needed.
State officials also funded a statewide public awareness campaign focused on Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders, encouraging pregnant women and new mothers to seek support when experiencing symptoms.
Budget Proposal and Future Funding
State officials said maternal health funding has increased since the start of the Shapiro administration.
Prior to 2023, the state budget did not include a dedicated line item for maternal health programs. The governor’s first budget proposal included a $2.3 million investment, which has since expanded into broader maternal and child health initiatives.
The administration’s proposed 2026–2027 budget includes an additional $7.5 million to continue and expand those efforts.
Department of Human Services Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh said continued investment in prenatal and postnatal care can improve long-term health outcomes for families.
“Receiving timely, comprehensive, and trusted prenatal and postnatal care makes a significant positive difference in the overall health of parents and their baby,” Arkoosh said.
Local Providers See Results
Officials at Maternal & Family Health Services said the funding has strengthened programs that support pregnant women and families before and after birth.
Dr. Maria Montoro Edwards, president and CEO of the organization, said programs supported by the funding help improve long-term health outcomes for families.
“Investing in maternal health is an investment in the strength of our communities,” Edwards said. “These investments lead to healthier pregnancies, stronger babies, and better long-term outcomes for families across Pennsylvania.”
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.