Report: Pa. kids show elevated blood levels at more than twice the national rate | Wednesday Coffee

Good Wednesday Morning, Fellow Seekers. An alarming 5 percent of Pennsylvania children have elevated levels of lead in their blood at more than two times the national rate, a newly released study has found. The research, from JAMA Pediatrics, a peer-reviewed medical journal published by the American Medical Association, puts Pennsylvania in the company of just six states nationwide […]

Lead Free Promise Project begins statewide battle against lead poisoning

The fight to end lead poisoning among children in Pennsylvania may happen with the Lead Free Promise Project. Dr. Jeffrey Martin, the chair of the Department of Family and Community Medicine, came up with the idea to help health care providers test children’s blood lead levels. “The purpose of the guide is to really be an […]

State announces plans to extend Medicaid coverage period for new, expecting moms

Gov. Tom Wolf’s administration announced its plans Thursday to extend the health care coverage period for new and expecting moms eligible for Medicaid. “This allows us to provide mothers the care and guidance they need through an important and delicate period in their lives without the additional fear or anxiety of getting an unaffordable bill,” said […]

Wolf Administration Announces Plans To Expand Medicaid Postpartum Coverage Period For Mothers

Harrisburg, PA – The Wolf Administration today joined leadership from the legislative Women’s Health Caucus, the Maternity Care Coalition, and the Pennsylvania Health Access Network to announce Pennsylvania’s intent to extend the postpartum coverage period for mothers eligible for Medicaid because of their pregnancy. This historic investment in the health and well-being of new mothers and […]

Women’s Health Caucus applauds DHS’s commitment to maternal health

HARRISBURG, Aug. 5 – Today, the Women’s Health Caucus offered its support to the Wolf administration and Human Services Department Secretary Meg Snead on their decision to extend medical assistance coverage to 12 months postpartum. Under the American Rescue Plan Act, signed into law by President Joe Biden, states have the option to extend Medicaid coverage […]

Wolf Administration announces expanding Medicaid coverage plan for postpartum mothers

HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) — The Wolf Administration announced its intent to extend postpartum coverage periods for mothers eligible for Medicaid because of pregnancy to one year. Joined by the Women’s Health Caucus, the Maternity Care Coalition and Pa. Health Access Network, they said the investment will help with the health and well-being of new mothers […]

2021-22 State Budget: Growth for Pre-k; Ignores Recommendations Prioritizing Child Care and Fails to Expand Evidence-based Home Visiting Services

HARRISBURG, PA (June 25, 2021) – The principal partners of Early Learning Pennsylvania (ELPA), a statewide coalition of advocates focused on supporting young Pennsylvanians from birth to age five, believes the commonwealth’s economic recovery hinges on helping working families by prioritizing greater state investments in high-quality pre-k, child care and evidence-based home visiting. ELPA operates […]

‘It is unacceptable and it’s preventable’: Officials say high levels of childhood lead poisoning is significant problem in Lehigh Valley

At least 350 children in Lehigh and Northampton counties experience lead poisoning every year, a new report by the anti-crime organization Fight Crime: Invest in Kids shows. Though lead poisoning is preventable, it’s all too common in the Lehigh Valley and across Pennsylvania, the report states.