May 05, 2025 - Uniontown, PA
Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh toured the newly-opened WVU Medicine Children's Birthing Center at Uniontown Hospital, which brings labor and delivery services back to Fayette County and the surrounding area. While there, Secretary Arkoosh highlighted Governor Josh Shapiro's common-sense, strategic investments in the 2025-26 proposed budget to expand maternal health services and alleviate ongoing workforce recruitment challenges facing many rural hospitals by continuing to invest in rural health systems."Everyone deserves access to high-quality, supportive, and accessible care before, during and following their birthing experience. Timely, comprehensive, and trusted pre- and postnatal care make a big difference in the overall health of both parents and newborns, but we know that when people do not have access to health care locally, it can be a significant barrier to healthy outcomes," said Secretary Arkoosh. "The reopening of Uniontown Hospital's birthing center is a shining example of progress being made in our rural communities to support growing families and ensure that no matter where people live in the Commonwealth, they benefit from a stable health care presence in their community. The Shapiro Administration is committed to being a partner as communities and health care providers work to improve access to high quality maternity care for all, including in our rural communities." Speakers Include:Carrie Willetts, WVU Medicine Uniontown Hospital President and CEODr. Lawrence Glad, Medical Director, WVU Medicine Children's Birthing Center at Uniontown HospitalDr. Val Arkoosh, DHS Secretary