Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposed 2025-2026 budget includes a $5 million investment in maternal health, specifically for universal postpartum depression screenings for Pennsylvania mothers. The initiative, highlighted at the Alexis Joy D’Achille Center for Perinatal Mental Health, aims to address the one in eight mothers nationally affected by postpartum depression. Dr. Debra Bogen, Secretary of Health, emphasized the importance of early identification and treatment for mothers and their families.
The multi-agency approach involves contributions from the Departments of Human Services, Health, and Drug and Alcohol Programs, with a focus on reducing preventable maternal fatalities and creating healthier families. The initiative, informed by data from the Pennsylvania Maternal Mortality Review Committee, includes comprehensive services and education for healthcare providers to support maternal mental health.
The $5 million allocation is part of a broader Maternal Health Strategic Plan, with a Division of Maternal Health Services established within DOH to oversee critical initiatives. The goal is to ensure pregnant and mothering individuals not only survive before, during, and after pregnancy but thrive, as stated by DDAP Deputy Secretary Kelly Primus.
This initiative represents a significant step towards addressing not only the physical health but also the mental well-being of pregnant and postpartum individuals in Pennsylvania. By promoting universal screenings and connecting mothers with timely care, the administration aims to safeguard the well-being of mothers and create healthier families.
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