On November 16, in Wilkes-Barre, Secretary of the Department of Human Services (DHS) Dr. Val Arkoosh hosted a roundtable discussion aimed at shaping the Shapiro Administration’s Maternal Health Strategic Plan. The focus of the discussion was to gather community insights regarding women’s personal experiences during pregnancy and the postpartum period in Pennsylvania. Dr. Arkoosh emphasized the critical need for accessible and equitable maternal health care, noting that the risks associated with childbirth are disproportionately higher for Black women. The administration, under Governor Josh Shapiro, is making strides toward addressing maternal health disparities by allocating an additional $2.6 million for maternal mortality prevention in the 2024-25 budget. Furthermore, DHS is collaborating with federal authorities to expand Medicaid services for pregnant women, highlighting the importance of comprehensive care before, during, and after pregnancy.
To facilitate community involvement, the Shapiro Administration has launched an online survey that invites all Pennsylvanians to share their experiences with maternal health care. This initiative will provide essential data to enhance strategies aimed at improving maternal outcomes across the state. The deadline for the survey is November 29, 2024. The campaign to spread awareness about the survey will be driven by various stakeholders, including health departments and the Pennsylvania General Assembly, encouraging outreach through events and community engagement. The comprehensive maternal health strategic plan, once finalized, will prioritize equity, diversity, and access to high-quality care, while also aiming to bolster the maternal healthcare workforce and address related behavioral health issues.
In related political news, U.S. Representative Dan Meuser co-sponsored the Modern Employment Reform, Improvement, and Transformation (MERIT) Act. This legislation seeks to improve accountability within the federal civil service system, addressing weaknesses that have allowed misconduct by federal employees to go unchecked. The need for reform was underscored by a recent incident involving a FEMA supervisor in Florida, who allegedly instructed staff to deny aid to residents based on their political affiliations. The MERIT Act introduces a quicker dismissal process for federal employees who engage in poor conduct or performance, aiming to remedy the lengthy and inadequate disciplinary processes currently in place.
Lt. Governor Austin Davis recently announced a strategic funding initiative to support local law enforcement in Pennsylvania, with the aim of attracting quality recruits to fill a staggering 692 vacancies across the state. The Shapiro-Davis Administration has allocated $3.04 million in grants for this purpose, alongside funding to train 800 new state troopers as part of a broader effort to bolster public safety. With a multifaceted approach to community safety, the administration is also investing in programs that reduce violence, enhance domestic violence services, and create safe environments for youth. The Law Enforcement Recruitment Incentives program is designed to support training and recruitment activities, allowing agencies to significantly subsidize the costs associated with hiring new officers.
Meanwhile, the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) has been addressing the pressing concerns of domestic violence and its link to gun violence. In collaboration with the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence, PCCD held a stakeholder listening session focused on enhancing support for survivors and addressing the intersection of gun violence and domestic abuse. Despite reported decreases in overall homicides across Pennsylvania, gun-related domestic violence homicides have risen by 14%. The listening session facilitated critical discussions about local trends, policies, and resources needed to increase the safety of domestic violence victims, as well as the implementation of existing protections outlined in Act 79 of 2018.
The insights gained from stakeholder discussions are instrumental in directing PCCD’s approach to gun violence prevention, particularly as the agency prepares its funding plans for the upcoming fiscal year. By fostering dialogue among survivors, advocates, and professionals, the Shapiro-Davis Administration seeks to ensure comprehensive support for those affected by domestic violence while addressing the systemic issues that exacerbate vulnerabilities. Community input is also sought through PCCD’s Stakeholder Feedback Survey, which aims to shape effective policies and programs that address the complex dynamics of gun violence in relation to domestic abuse. By pursuing these combined efforts, the state is committed to improving safety and support for its residents while tackling the interconnected challenges of maternal health, law enforcement, and domestic violence prevention.