​​​​​​​HAP Report Outlines Plan of Action to Improve Maternal Health Outcomes Across Pennsylvania

January 16, 2025

Harrisburg, PA (January 16, 2025)—The Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania (HAP) today released an action plan to improve maternal health outcomes, increase access to care, and eliminate disparities.

Developed by HAP’s Task Force on Maternal and Child Health, the report provides recommendations for what Pennsylvania hospitals and policymakers can do to advance high quality and equitable care, expand access, and strengthen and diversify the maternal health workforce.

“As anchor institutions in their communities, hospitals and health systems play a key role in fostering cross-sector collaboration to improve maternal health,” said Nicole Stallings, HAP president and CEO. “Building upon the significant work already underway, these recommendations offer actionable steps that hospitals and policymakers can take to ensure access and support high-quality and equitable maternal health care throughout the commonwealth.”

HAP’s recommendations focus on expanding proven, evidence-based strategies for improving maternal health outcomes and equity, as well as public policies to address barriers such as workforce shortages, the commonwealth’s medical liability climate, and the long-term sustainability of labor and delivery services. The task force also identified opportunities for HAP to support hospitals in achieving these recommendations, as well as advocate for policy recommendations.

The report is available online.

# # #

About HAP:  The Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania (HAP) is a statewide member services organization that advocates on behalf of Pennsylvania hospitals and health systems to advance high-quality, accessible, and financially sustainable health care. HAP’s more than 235 member organizations include the majority of hospitals across the commonwealth. Learn more at www.haponline.org. 

2025