Pennsylvania DOH News

Shapiro Administration's Work to Combat STIs Leads to Dramatic Decrease in Reportable Diseases

The Pennsylvania Department of Health announced a 28% decrease in congenital syphilis cases from 2024 to 2025, with 90% of syphilis patients receiving treatment within 14 days. Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen highlighted free STI testing, treatment, and counseling available at all 59 State Health Centers during STI Awareness Week.

Shapiro Administration Opens $5M in Research Grants for Neurodegenerative Disease

The Shapiro Administration opened the application period for $5 million in competitive research grants to combat neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's, ALS, and Parkinson's. The funding, secured in the 2025-26 state budget, will support Pennsylvania research institutions pursuing treatments and cures for conditions affecting over 300,000 state residents.

Pennsylvania Expands On-the-Spot Birth Certificate Initiative for Reentrants

The Pennsylvania Departments of Health, Labor & Industry, and Corrections jointly hosted an on-the-spot birth certificate issuance event at Kintock, a reentry community corrections center, on April 8, 2026. The Division of Vital Records issued over 30 birth certificates to residents, removing a key barrier to employment, housing, and identification that reentrants commonly face.

Vaccine Education Advisory Workgroup Second Meeting Statement

Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen issued a statement following the second meeting of the state's Vaccine Education Advisory Workgroup. The workgroup, established by Governor Josh Shapiro's Executive Order 2025-02, brings together medical experts and community leaders to provide evidence-based vaccine information and identify barriers to vaccine access. The initiative targets populations at higher risk for diseases like measles and hepatitis B.

Maternal Health Strategic Action Plan Launch

The Shapiro Administration released Pennsylvania's first Maternal Health Strategic Action Plan, 'Healthy Moms, Vibrant Futures,' a multi-agency initiative aimed at reducing maternal health disparities and improving health outcomes for mothers and children. The plan contains strategic goals, data, ongoing work, and recommendations developed in coordination with the Department of Human Services, the Governor's Commission on Women, and maternal health advocates. Since January 2023, the administration has invested over $12.3 million in maternal and child health initiatives, with an additional $7.5 million proposed in the 2026-27 budget.

Pennsylvania Invests $6M for Free Student Period Products, Proposes $3M More

The Shapiro Administration has invested $6 million over two years to provide free period products in Pennsylvania schools and has proposed an additional $3 million for the 2026-27 budget. This initiative aims to improve health equity and keep students in the classroom by addressing the affordability and accessibility of essential hygiene products.

Pennsylvania Delivers $6.6 Million for EMS Professionals

The Pennsylvania administration announced the delivery of $6.6 million to equip Emergency Medical Services (EMS) professionals across the Commonwealth. This funding, part of the 2025-26 budget, aims to recruit, train, and equip EMS personnel to improve response times and save lives.

Pennsylvania Department of Health Mission and Resources

The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) has updated its website to outline its mission to promote healthy behaviors and assure quality healthcare. The page provides links to various public health resources, information for different stakeholder groups, and services offered by the department.

Pennsylvania Department of Health Mission and Resources

The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) has published a notice outlining its mission to promote healthy behaviors and assure quality healthcare. The notice also provides links to various public health resources, dashboards, and information for different stakeholder groups.

Pennsylvania Department of Health - Public Health Information

The Pennsylvania Department of Health has updated its website to provide public health information and resources. The update includes links to various advisories, dashboards, newsletters, and program information relevant to individuals, families, and healthcare professionals.

Pennsylvania Department of Health Mission and Resources

The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) has published its mission statement and a comprehensive list of resources for individuals, families, healthcare providers, facilities, businesses, and researchers. This notice outlines the DOH's commitment to promoting healthy behaviors and assuring quality healthcare for all Pennsylvanians.