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: Volunteers of America of PA
  • Lead Web Site: https://www.voapa.org/
Data:
  • 846 individuals served through VOAPA Health programs during FY2026 to date.
  • 15 new healthcare, faith-based, and community partners engaged in Central Pennsylvania during the reporting period.
  • Maternal Health services currently operating across Lehigh Valley, Northeast PA, Central PA, and Southwest PA.
  • More than 90% of participants in Lehigh Valley identify as Hispanic/Latina and/or Spanish-speaking.
  • Multiple educational groups, peer support activities, and community outreach events conducted to increase awareness and utilization of maternal health services.
 
Volunteers of America Pennsylvania (VOAPA) implements a Maternal Health Program that connects pregnant and postpartum individuals to non-medical supportive services through Community Health Workers (CHWs), Maternal Community Health Workers (MCHWs), doulas, peer support, transportation assistance, health education, and resource navigation. Services are provided across Lehigh Valley, Northeast Pennsylvania, Central Pennsylvania, and Southwest Pennsylvania through partnerships with managed care organizations, healthcare providers, hospitals, community based organizations, and local coalitions. The program focuses on reducing barriers to care, improving access to culturally responsive support services, increasing referrals to community resources, and promoting healthy maternal and infant outcomes. Special emphasis is placed on serving Medicaid-eligible families, underserved communities, rural populations, and Spanish-speaking families.