March 08, 2024 - Pittsburgh, PA
Acting Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen and Second Lady of Pennsylvania Blayre Holmes Davis, along with the Department of Human Services (DHS) and local and state leaders, visited The Midwife Center for Birth & Women's Health today to highlight new Shapiro Administration efforts to address maternal health issues and improve care for pregnant women and children, especially among people of color.Across the nation, the rate of pregnancy-associated deaths has been on the rise in recent years. In Pennsylvania, there are 82 pregnancy-associated deaths per 100,000 live births. Black women are two times more likely to die during or in the first year after a pregnancy than white women. "The tragic reality is that maternal mortality is far too common in the U.S. and Pennsylvania, and disproportionately impacts Black women and their families," said Dr. Bogen. "Every death of a new mother impacts their entire community, that's why the Shapiro-Davis Administration is fully committed to tackling maternal health issues that are affecting women across the state." Speakers Include: Christine Haas, Executive Director of Midwife Center for Birth & Women's HealthBlayre Holmes Davis, Second Lady of PennsylvaniaDr. Debra Bogen, Acting Secretary of HealthSara Goulet, Special Advisor to DHS Secretary Dr. Val ArkooshSara Innamorato, Allegheny County ExecutiveState Representative Joanna McClintonState Senator Lindsey WilliamsRepresentative La'Tasha Mayes, Pennsylvania Black Maternal Health Caucus