BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Improving maternal health is at the forefront of a new initiative by the governor’s office.
To kick off Black Maternal Health Week, which is April 11-17, Gov. Josh Shapiro’s office announced grants for which community organizations can apply to form regional coalitions.
“The tragic reality is that maternal mortality is far too common, and disproportionately impacts Black women and their families,” said state Acting Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen.
“That is why the Shapiro Administration is committed to addressing this health equity issue through the formation of regional coalitions to move the Maternal Mortality Review Committee recommendations into action in their own local communities to help save lives.”
For the first time, the state budget allots $1.8 million to address maternal health issues.
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Pregnancy-related deaths are on the rise across the country. According to the Pennsylvania Health Department,there are 83 pregnancy-associated deaths per 100,000 live births across the state.
“In 2020, 107 Pennsylvanians lost their lives during pregnancy, delivery, or within one year postpartum. Black women are nearly two times more likely to die during pregnancy or in the first year after a pregnancy than white women.”State Health Department
“In 2020, 107 Pennsylvanians lost their lives during pregnancy, delivery, or within one year postpartum," the department stated.
"Black women are nearly two times more likely to die during pregnancy or in the first year after a pregnancy than white women.”
The goal of the grants offered through the 2023-24 state budget is to fund regional coalitions, created and lead by community-based organizations, that use recommendations from the Pennsylvania Maternal Mortality Review Committee report to address and improve local issues in maternal health.
Funding for the Regional Maternal Health Coalitions is expected to be allotted from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2027.
An optional online pre-application conference will be at 11 a.m. April 15.
Applications must be received no later than 1:30 p.m. April 30.
Additional funds are proposed in the 2024-25 budget to further address maternal health disparities, especially in black women.
