More than 100 health care providers, public health professionals, community organizations, educators and advocates gathered on June 11 at the Hilton Scranton & Conference Center for the 2026 Northeast Regional Maternal Health Coalition Educational Seminar, hosted by Maternal and Family Health Services.

The annual seminar showcased the progress of the Northeast Regional Maternal Health Coalition, a collaborative initiative led by MFHS that is working to improve maternal health outcomes across 14 counties in Northeastern and Eastern Pennsylvania through education, partnership and action.

The day featured presentations on the current state of maternal health in Pennsylvania, updates from the Coalition’s five Priority Teams, networking opportunities and continuing education sessions designed to strengthen collaboration among organizations serving pregnant and postpartum individuals.

A keynote presentation was delivered by Sara Goulet, special adviser to the secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, who provided updates on the commonwealth’s maternal health initiatives and highlighted the importance of regional partnerships in advancing equitable, high-quality care for families.

“Improving maternal health requires all of us working together,” said Dr. Maria Montoro Edwards, president and CEO of Maternal and Family Health Services. “The Northeast Regional Maternal Health Coalition has created a powerful network of individuals who are committed to creating meaningful, lasting change. This seminar demonstrated the incredible momentum we have built together and the shared commitment to ensuring every mother has access to the care and support she deserves.”

Priority Team leaders offered updates on regional initiatives already underway, including expanding behavioral health screenings, improving transportation access, strengthening first responder education, enhancing community resource coordination and supporting innovative pilot projects through Coalition mini-grants.

The Northeast Regional Maternal Health Coalition is funded through the Pennsylvania Department of Health as one of four Regional Maternal Health Coalitions established across the commonwealth to implement recommendations from Pennsylvania’s Maternal Mortality Review Committee and Maternal Health Strategic Plan.

For more information about the Northeast Regional Maternal Health Coalition, upcoming events, or to become involved, visit https://mfhs.org/regional-maternal-health-coalition/.

Maternal and Family Health Services is a private nonprofit organization serving women, children and families across 17 Pennsylvania counties. Through evidence-based health care, nutrition and education programs — including WIC, reproductive health, pregnancy care, behavioral health services, and Nurse-Family Partnership — MFHS serves more than 100,000 individuals annually.

The organization is committed to empowering healthier families and stronger communities through compassionate, accessible care. For more information, call 1-800-367-6347, or visit www.mfhs.org.