JHF Helps Launch Pennsylvania Perinatal Action Collaborative to Address Maternal Health

The Pennsylvania Perinatal Action Collaborative (PAC) has been established as a multi-disciplinary group dedicated to advancing maternal health initiatives throughout the state. The PAC is tasked with executing the Maternal Health Strategic Plan (MHSP), which seeks to improve the health outcomes of pregnant and postpartum individuals in Pennsylvania.

Guided by a vision of Pennsylvania where all pregnant and birthing individuals easily access high-quality, person-centered, comprehensive, equitable, and affordable perinatal, birth, and postpartum care, the PAC promotes healthy outcomes and long-term well-being.

The Jewish Healthcare Foundation (JHF) is a key partner receiving $1.2 million Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) grant funding through the Pennsylvania Department of Health from January 2025 through June 2026 to support this work. As part of Pennsylvania’s work under the HRSA State Maternal Health Innovation (MHI) Program, the PAC will lead key efforts to improve maternal health outcomes across the state. This includes serving as the state’s maternal health task force, bringing together diverse stakeholders to guide implementation of the recommendations in the MHSP, in collaboration with clinical partners like the IMPLICIT Network. It will also drive innovation by supporting implementation of evidence-based strategies and provide Innovation Grants to implement aspects of the MHSP.

The PAC is comprised of 150 members from across the commonwealth representing a variety of sectors including state and local government, non-profits, philanthropy, colleges and universities, hospital and healthcare systems, and associations, and priority teams focused on five key areas: increasing access to high-quality care, supporting behavioral health and substance use disorder needs, improving rural health and maternity care deserts, addressing social determinants of health and expanding and diversifying the healthcare workforce.

JHF has a long-standing commitment to advancing maternal health across Pennsylvania, serving as a catalyst for innovative, collaborative solutions. JHF has led major initiatives such as the Pennsylvania Perinatal Quality Collaborative (PA PQC) and the Pittsburgh: A Safer Childbirth City initiative, both of which have driven measurable improvements in maternal and infant outcomes.

The Foundation also played a key role in establishing the Pennsylvania Doula Commission, helping to elevate community-based support as a critical component of equitable care. As a steward of statewide efforts, and with funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services and the Pennsylvania Department of Health, JHF has awarded over $1 million to three regional grantees to establish a statewide perinatal behavioral health consultation and access program. This initiative is designed to support providers in prenatal, labor and delivery, and postpartum settings, strengthening the continuum of care for families across the Commonwealth

To learn more about the PAC and its efforts to improve maternal health in Pennsylvania, visit our PAC project page.