March 06, 2025 - Pittsburgh, PA
Shapiro Administration officials from the departments of Human Services (DHS), Health (DOH),and Drugs and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) highlighted Governor Josh Shapiro's proposal in this year's budget to implement universal postpartum depression screenings for all Pennsylvania moms. During a visit to the Allegheny Health Network's (AHN) Alexis Joy D'Achille Center for Perinatal Mental Health, leaders shared how postpartum depression can occur weeks and months after childbirth, where mothers experience a broad range of symptoms including but not limited to sadness, hopelessness, anxiety, change in appetite, difficulty in sleep, mood swings and thoughts of self-harm that may make it difficult to carry out daily tasks, including caring for themselves and their babies. Postpartum depression affects one in eight mothers across the country. It not only impacts the well-being of Pennsylvania mothers, but also has profound effects on their families and communities. "For more than two decades, as a pediatrician, I worked with new mothers and their babies and saw firsthand the impact pregnancy-related depression has on women and their families," said Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen. "Implementing universal postpartum depression screenings and referrals to evidence-based treatment options for all Pennsylvania mothers is a meaningful action we can take to ensure women receive the care they need during a critical time in their lives." Speakers Include:Dr. Brian Johnson, AHN West Penn Hospital PresidentSteven D'Achille, President of the Alexis Joy D'Achille FoundationDr. Debra Bogen, DOH SecretarySara Goulet, DHS Special AdvisorKelly Primus, DDAP Deputy SecretaryDr. Ewurama Sackey, AHN Medical Director of the Women's Behavioral Health, Psychiatry and Behavioral Health InstituteDr. Priya Gopalan, Chief of Psychiatry for UPMC Magree-Womens HospitalJessica Tucker, Patient at the Alexis Joy D'Achille Center for Perinatal Mental Health
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