5 Takeaways: HAP’s Maternal Health Summit

Event showcases efforts to support maternal care across the commonwealth

September 24, 2025

Pennsylvania’s hospital community is leading the charge to improve maternal health.

On Wednesday, HAP hosted our first Maternal Health Summit in Harrisburg, convening health care leaders and community partners to share their latest initiatives to support maternal health in their communities.

Pennsylvania is among the states facing staggering statistics around maternal health. Today’s event follows the release of HAP’s Action Plan for Maternal Health and highlighted the steps Pennsylvania hospitals are taking to reverse those concerning trends.

“Commitment to this work is more important now than ever, and we’re really grateful you’re giving us your time, your commitment, and your energy,” HAP President and CEO Nicole Stallings said during opening remarks.

Here are five takeaways from the event:

Takeaway 1: Addressing disparities requires whole-system change

Maternal mortality is a public health crisis, but there are opportunities to improve, noted keynote speaker Veronica Gillispie-Bell, MD, MAS, FACOG. Care deserts make it harder to improve access, particularly in rural regions.

Leveraging telehealth, bringing care directly to patients, and better collaboration across teams are essential to address disparities and improve outcomes, she said. Perinatal quality collaboratives play an important role to drive improvement in health care.

“We have to ensure our care is dignified and respectful,” Gillispie-Bell said.

Takeaway 2:  Pennsylvania hospitals are driving change

During a series of ignite talks, Pennsylvania’s hospital leaders outlined their efforts to support maternal health. A few examples include:

• Reducing the risks for preeclampsia through remote blood pressure monitoring
• Doing simulation training to prepare for higher-risk deliveries
• Integrating specialized support for postpartum depression and related conditions directly into OB-GYN services
• Leveraging community partnerships to enhance the birth experience and improve outcomes

Takeaway 3: Facilitating Smooth Care Transitions

Smooth care transitions start with cultivating strong relationships.

Maternal health requires a team that goes beyond a single hospital or provider. EMS providers, doulas, and other community stakeholders must sustain strong partnerships to care for patients. Trust is key for everyone involved.

It is important to prepare for emergency situations, to improve coordination of services and to improve transfers between hospital systems.

Takeaway 4:  Education improves the patient experience

In an era of TikTok health tips, patient education is more important than ever.

Improving education and communication with patients allows them to advocate for their care, noted Sara Goulet from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.

Pennsylvania is releasing a report this year focused on improving perinatal outcomes; detection of behavioral health risks during pregnancy and postpartum; strengthening resources in rural areas and care deserts; addressing health-related social needs; and building trust and better connections. It’s part of a broader, collaborative effort to support maternal health, Goulet noted.

Takeaway 5: Hospitals strive for maternal health excellence

Providers are always striving to improve beyond accreditation standards.

But how hospitals are certified for performance is changing. Jennifer Anderson DNP, APRN, CNS, outlined The Joint Commission’s new national performance goals that seek to streamline requirements, and a continuous engagement model to promote safety and quality. Additional information on the new and revised obstetrical service requirements is available online.

Bonus Takeaway: Medical liability poses serious risks

Escalated medical liability risk for obstetrics and gynecology specialists contributes to provider shortages.

Finding pathways to increase specialty providers is a difficult challenge but is paramount to improve access to care.

HAP thanks our dedicated sponsors, speakers, and attendees who participated in our first Maternal Health Summit. The agenda for today’s event is available online.