January 28, 2025 - Lock Haven, PA
Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen joined UPMC and local organizations in Clinton County to launch a new pilot project to improve care for pregnant women and babies in rural communities at DOH's State Health Center in Lock Haven. The new pilot project follows months of collaborative discussions convened by the Shapiro Administration between rural health care stakeholders to come up with new ways to serve people in rural communities.The Shapiro Administration's pilot project invests more than $1.3 million over two years and includes a partnership with UPMC of North Central Pennsylvania and other local health care providers. The goal of the pilot is to develop a model for providing a variety of physical, mental, emotional, and social health resources for women in regions with limited access to pre- and post-pregnancy care. "The Shapiro Administration is funding and leading this pilot project because of our deep commitment to improving care for mothers and babies, not only in rural areas like Clinton County, but in every region where access to pregnancy care is limited," said Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen. "Our goal is simple: to develop a local network that provides easier access to basic pregnancy and post-partum care services that support mothers, babies and families. This pilot project is the latest effort in the Administration's ongoing work with health care and community leaders, to find commonsense solutions to support and sustain our rural health care system."Speakers Include:Department of Health Secretary Dr. Debra BogenUPMC in North Central Pennsylvania President Patti Jackson-GehrisLycoming County Chief Deputy Coroner Kate Kiessling