Participating in the event were, left to right, Greater Philadelphia YMCA President and CEO Shaun Elliott; Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Secretary Val Arkoosh, MD, MPH; and Independence Blue Cross Executive Vice President of Public Affairs and President of Government Markets Steve Fera.
Visit spotlights a community model aligned with goals of Shapiro Administration’s Healthy Moms, Vibrant Futures strategy and funded by the Independence Blue Cross Foundation and AmeriHealth Caritas Foundation
Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Val Arkoosh, MD, MPH visited the Greater Philadelphia YMCA Maternal Wellness Initiative — a community model delivering measurable improvements in supporting physical health, emotional wellbeing, and social connection for expectant and new mothers.
The visit, which took place at the Greater Philadelphia YMCA Willow Grove branch, underscores the Shapiro administration’s commitment to improving maternal health outcomes across the Commonwealth, as outlined in the state’s new maternal health strategic action plan, Healthy Moms, Vibrant Futures.
Established by the Greater Philadelphia YMCA with funding from the Independence Blue Cross Foundation and the AmeriHealth Caritas Foundation, the Maternal Wellness Initiative provides free YMCA membership, fitness, nutrition education, mental health support, peer connection, and on-site childcare to support expectant and new mothers during prenatal, postpartum and early childhood periods, which is crucial for their health and the well-being of their children.
Early independent program evaluation results show:
- Loneliness reduced by half (52% to 26%).
- 78% of participants rated their health Good or Excellent after the program.
- 100% participation and retention in the first 100-person cohort, demonstrating strong engagement and sustained involvement in the first year of the program.
Pennsylvania DHS Secretary Arkoosh’s visit, taking place from 4:00–5:00 p.m., met program participants and leaders to discuss the program’s early success and its potential to expand statewide. As the Shapiro administration continues to advance strategies that reduce maternal morbidity and mortality, the YMCA Maternal Wellness Initiative is a scalable community model for the Commonwealth, where nearly one million Pennsylvanians are YMCA members or participate in YMCA programming.
“Parenting is a journey that can quickly bring new and unexpected challenges and questions, and it’s normal to not always have the answers. Supporting mothers means building systems that give support and help people learn and navigate every step together,” said Secretary Arkoosh. “The Maternal Wellness Initiative is bringing that space and safety that mothers deserve, building community that is helping mothers and children thrive together. I’m grateful for the creativity and commitment to families the Greater Philadelphia YMCA, Independence Blue Cross Foundation, and AmeriHealth Caritas Foundation are demonstrating through this work. The Shapiro Administration’s Healthy Moms, Vibrant Futures plan looks to expand support available for postpartum moms – this program does exactly that.”
“Through the Maternal Wellness Initiative and this local partnership, the YMCA is reinforcing its commitment to building stronger, more connected communities. This investment from the Independence Blue Cross Foundation and AmeriHealth Caritas Foundation has been instrumental in bringing this vital program to life,” said Shaun Elliott, President & CEO, Greater Philadelphia YMCA
“Collaboration is a guiding principle of our work to positively impact health,” said Heather Major, Independence Blue Cross Foundation executive director. “Our support for the Greater Philadelphia YMCA is an investment in healthy outcomes for moms and families in our region and a maternal wellness model for communities across Pennsylvania and the nation.”
“When mothers are connected to the support and resources they need to be healthy during and after pregnancy, children have a better start,” said Lauren Maloney, executive director of the AmeriHealth Caritas Foundation. “We are proud to support the Maternal Wellness Initiative and efforts like it in Pennsylvania and across the country that show how a community-based approach can make a meaningful difference for families.”
About the Greater Philadelphia YMCA:
The YMCA is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits, strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Throughout the Delaware Valley, the Greater Philadelphia YMCA serves more than 150,000 individuals each year – regardless of age, income or background – across 15 branches located in Berks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Philadelphia, Pike, Burlington and Camden counties. Coupled with dozens of childcare sites, and one overnight camp in the Poconos, the Y has extraordinary reach in connecting people to healthier lives. For more information, please call 215-963-3700 or visit philaymca.org.
About the Independence Blue Cross Foundation:
The Independence Blue Cross (IBX) Foundation is positively impacting health. For 15 years, the IBX Foundation has been leading initiatives for a healthier community.
- Improving healthcare access
- Strengthening the health workforce
- Enabling solutions for better community health
Learn more by visiting our website: ibxfoundation.org. Connect with the Independence Blue Cross Foundation on LinkedIn.
About AmeriHealth Caritas Foundation:
The AmeriHealth Caritas Foundation is a national philanthropy dedicated to preventing and mitigating Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). The Foundation is the independent philanthropic arm of AmeriHealth Caritas, advancing the company’s holistic approach by empowering children and families to achieve resilience and reach their fullest potential.
