Improve Access to “Non-medical” supports

  • Progress:  In Progress
  • MHSP Priority Area: Increasing Access to High-Quality Care
  • Recommendation: Increase utilization of non-medical supportive services that can support greater cultural competency in perinatal care and improve health outcomes, like community health workers, peer services, and doulas by working with providers and payors to encourage greater partnership with and referrals to non-medical providers.
  • Actionable Strategies: Improve Access to “Non-medical” supports
  • Lead: Franklin Pediatrics

 

Access to High Quality Care Actionable Strategies Plan

Franklin Pediatrics, in Venango County, was awarded $150,000 to provide services to postpartum individuals at their child’s pediatrician visit. Venango county is a rural area where residents face challenges, along with many counties in northwest Pennsylvania, in accessing maternity care. Many postpartum individuals attend their infant’s pediatric visits, even when they do not have access to postpartum care. This uniquely positions a pediatrician’s office to fill gaps in postpartum care. With this funding Franklin Pediatrics will expand its services, including lactation supports, postpartum mental health and wellness circles, and social care navigation that includes screening and warm handoff to resources for food, housing, and Pennsylvania Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC).