June 06, 2024 - Bryn Mawr, PA
Acting Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen and Secretary of Human Services Dr. Val Arkoosh toured Lifecycle WomanCare in Bryn Mawr to meet with representatives from all five of Pennsylvania's stand-alone birthing centers and to highlight the Shapiro Administration's work to improve maternal health and care for mothers and children, especially among people of color. Maternal health is a national concern, with the rate of pregnancy-associated deaths and serious medical conditions during delivery on the rise in recent years. In 2020, 83 pregnancy-associated deaths per 100,000 live births occurred in Pennsylvania. Complications during labor and delivery are also a concern in Pennsylvania, with 89 hospitalizations per 10,000 deliveries taking place between 2016-2022. Black women are nearly two times more likely to die or experience unexpected complications during pregnancy or in the first year after pregnancy, or have a serious health condition during delivery. Mental health conditions, which include drug-related overdose deaths, were the leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths in 2020, demonstrating the need for more behavioral health care services for pregnant and postpartum women. Speakers Include:Lifecycle WomanCare Executive Director Shannon Vinciguerra, NHAActing Secretary of Health Dr. Debra BogenSecretary of Human Services Dr. Val Arkoosh Representative Gina Curry
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