At Greater Philadelphia YMCA, community-based program serving more than 100 Philadelphia-area moms bolsters goals of Shapiro Administration’s Healthy Moms, Vibrant Futures strategic plan to support mothers through pregnancy, postpartum, and early parenting
Hatboro, PA – Today, Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (PA DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh emphasized the vital role the Shapiro Administration’s maternal health strategic plan will play in improving the lives of Pennsylvania mothers and babies by increasing their access to mental health services and connections to child care.
Secretary Arkoosh highlighted the plan — Healthy Moms, Vibrant Futures — during a visit with mothers participating in the Greater Philadelphia YMCA’s Maternal Wellness Initiative, a program at six Philadelphia-area YMCAs that helps moms stay healthy through their pregnancy and postpartum periods, and into early motherhood. Through the program, moms get access to pregnancy and parenting classes, fitness and wellness services, child care, and a network of other moms to support their physical and mental health
That initiative aligns perfectly with the goal of Pennsylvania’s strategic plan which centers both self-care and healthy parenting.
“Parenting is a journey that can quickly create new and unexpected challenges and questions, and it’s normal to not always have the answers. Through the Shapiro Administration’s Healthy Moms, Vibrant Futures plan, we are showing exactly how we will expand services and supports for postpartum moms,” said Secretary Arkoosh. “The Maternal Wellness Initiative at the YMCA works in unison with that goal, by creating the safe space that new parents deserve, while building community that helps mothers and children thrive together. I’m grateful for the creativity and commitment to families the Greater Philadelphia YMCA, Independence Blue Cross Foundation, and AmeriHealth Caritas Foundation are demonstrating through this work.”
A lack of access to maternal health care affects both mothers and their children – and disparities in how this care is available and accessible fuels the United States’ abysmal maternal mortality rate and risks lifelong consequences for children. Since taking office, Governor Josh Shapiro has secured historic investments in maternal health initiatives and worked across agencies to support work that increases access to care for pregnant and parenting moms as well as their children. Healthy Moms, Vibrant Futures aligns these efforts through strategic goals developed collaboratively by the departments of Health, Human Services, Drug and Alcohol Programs, and Insurance along with the Black Maternal Health Caucus and insight collected through in-person discussions and a statewide survey from over 80 maternal and family health stakeholders across Pennsylvania.
Through the survey and listening session conversations, the plan was developed, centering on five specific maternal health priorities:
Improving detection and treatment of behavioral health conditions, including both mental health and substance use disorders;
Improving coordination and access to care in rural areas and maternity care deserts;
Increasing access to high-quality care;
Integrating initiatives to address health-related social needs into health care; and,
Expanding and diversifying the maternal health workforce.
This first-of-its-kind plan in Pennsylvania contains strategic goals, data, research, ongoing work, and recommendations to combat maternal health disparities that can shape the quality of life for both mothers and their children.
Governor Josh Shapiro has prioritized reducing maternal health disparities and investing in healthier lives for mothers and children. Since January 2023, the Shapiro Administration has invested more than $12.3 million in maternal and child health initiatives that are delivering real results, like increased postpartum depression screenings, improved access to care for women, and new grants specifically designed to improve the health of Pennsylvania mothers and babies. Governor Shapiro’s 2026-27 budget proposal includes an additional $7.5 million for the Department of Health to continue this important work to make pregnancies, deliveries, and postpartum care safer.
Established by the Greater Philadelphia YMCA with funding from the Independence Blue Cross Foundation and the AmeriHealth Caritas Foundation, the Maternal Wellness Initiative provides free YMCA membership, fitness, nutrition education, mental health support, peer connection, and on-site child care to support expectant and new mothers during prenatal, postpartum and early childhood periods, which is crucial for their health and the well-being of their children and aligns with the goals of Healthy Moms, Vibrant Futures.
“The Greater Philadelphia YMCA maternal wellness program is a strong example of how public-private partnerships can drive innovation around an issue that is deeply important to our company and the communities we serve,” said Stephen Fera, Executive Vice President of Public Affairs and President of Government Markets at Independence Blue Cross (IBX).
“Through the Maternal Wellness Initiative and this local partnership, the YMCA is reinforcing its commitment to building stronger, more connected communities. This investment from the Independence Blue Cross Foundation and AmeriHealth Caritas Foundation has been instrumental in bringing this vital program to life,” said Shaun Elliott, President & CEO, Greater Philadelphia YMCA.
The Maternal Wellness Initiative is currently available at six YMCAs in Philadelphia and Montgomery and Delaware Counties. Early independent program evaluation found that 100 percent of the first 100-person cohort participated for the entire program, demonstrating strong engagement and retention. Additionally, moms participating reported improvements in their personal assessment of their own health as well as improved sense of community and less feelings of isolation – essential to helping moms’ overall wellbeing.
Learn more about Healthy Moms, Vibrant Futures and maternal-child health programs available across Pennsylvania on DHS’ website.