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Pennsylvania Human Services Secretary Visits YMCA Maternal Wellness Program
Pennsylvania Secretary of Human Services Dr. Val Arkoosh visited the Greater Philadelphia YMCA’s Willow Grove branch in May for an up-close look at the organization’s Maternal Wellness Initiative. Along with representatives from the YMCA, the AmeriHealth Caritas Foundation, and the Independence Blue Cross Foundation, Arkoosh saw firsthand how the program is supporting women through pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and early motherhood.
Arkoosh toured the program, met with participants, and joined in a conversation on the initiative’s impact and how collaborative, community-based support can improve maternal health outcomes throughout the region.
The discussion also highlighted how the program aligns with Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s “Healthy Moms, Vibrant Futures” strategic action plan, which seeks to improve maternal health outcomes across Pennsylvania through coordinated support and community-driven solutions.
Arkoosh praised the YMCA’s work to build community for mothers and described parenting as “a journey that can quickly bring new and unexpected challenges and questions.”
For many women, pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and early motherhood are times of profound transition. The Maternal Wellness Initiative offers support along the way by connecting new and soon-to-be mothers with wellness resources, child care, and others navigating a similar stage of life.
Participants can join the program as early as 12 weeks into their pregnancy and take part in prenatal education focused on maternal health, childbirth preparation, and recognizing warning signs of conditions such as preeclampsia. After delivery mothers can continue building relationships while participating in postpartum wellness activities, including guided fitness opportunities that can be done alongside their infants.
More than 100 women participated in the program in 2025, and YMCA leaders anticipate similar enrollment this year.
The AmeriHealth Caritas and Independence Blue Cross Foundations awarded grants to the Greater Philadelphia YMCA to sustain the initiative’s momentum.
“Providing children with healthy beginnings will help them avoid adverse experiences later in childhood. And that starts with supporting mothers,” said Lauren Maloney, director of the AmeriHealth Caritas Foundation. “The YMCA’s Maternal Wellness Initiative and efforts like it in Pennsylvania and beyond show how community-based approaches can make a meaningful difference for families.”
The Maternal Wellness Initiative is showing promising initial results that point to the value of sustained support during pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and early motherhood, with loneliness reduced from 52% to 26%, and 78% of participants rating their health as “Good” or “Excellent” after the program.