Maternal and Family Health Services: Honoring Cervical Cancer Awareness Month January marks the beginning of Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, a time to reflect on the importance of early detection, education, and access to care in the fight against cervical cancer. As the President and CEO of Maternal and Family Health Services (MFHS), I am proud to lead an organization that is dedicated to empowering women to take control of their health, supporting them with the resources and services they need, and ensuring they have access to the critical screenings that can save their lives. Cervical cancer, while preventable, continues to claim lives every year, especially among women who face barriers to healthcare access. But through consistent screenings, education, and HPV vaccinations, we have the power to reduce the incidence of this devastating disease and improve outcomes for women everywhere. At MFHS, we are committed to providing the essential healthcare services women deserve. As a trusted partner in reproductive and maternal healthcare, we offer a range of services designed to make preventive care and screenings accessible, affordable, and welcoming. This month, and every month, let us take action to protect our health, spread awareness, and advocate for better access to care for all women. Schedule a screening, talk to your healthcare provider, and know that you are not alone in this journey. MFHS is here to support you every step of the way. We are proud to offer services that make women’s health a priority, and we are committed to breaking down the barriers to care that too often prevent women from seeking the screenings and treatments they need. MFHS has HPV vaccines and same day appointments available. To learn more about cervical cancer, screenings, or to schedule an appointment, visit mfhs.org. or call 570-595-4496. Together, we can reduce the impact of cervical cancer and ensure that every woman has the opportunity to live a healthy, empowered life. Maria Montoro Edwards, PhD President & CEO, Maternal and Family Health Services
Maternal and Family Health Services Awards Scholarships to Lackawanna College Maternal and Family Health Services (MFHS) is proud to announce that two participants in the Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) program have received scholarships to attend Lackawanna College. Beginning in 2018, Lackawanna College has provided full-tuition scholarships for clients from MFHS who are enrolled in the NFP program in an effort to continue to provide affordable, high quality educational opportunities to the residents of Northeastern Pennsylvania. “We are thrilled to see our Nurse-Family Partnership participants taking the next step in their educational journeys,” said Maria Montoro Edwards, President and CEO of MFHS “This scholarship program provides an incredible opportunity for these women to build a strong foundation for their futures, which will benefit not only them but also their children and the broader community.” This initiative aims to support NFP mothers in their educational and career aspirations, empowering them to build brighter futures for themselves and their families. This is a significant step forward in ensuring that NFP mothers have access to higher education, which is key to fostering economic stability and improving overall family health. The Nurse-Family Partnership is a renowned program that pairs mothers with registered nurses who provide guidance and support through pregnancy and the first two years of the child’s life. The program has been proven to improve maternal and child health, increase economic self-sufficiency, and foster long-term positive outcomes for families. “At Lackawanna College, we believe in the transformative power of education to create brighter futures for individuals, families, and communities. As a former board president of MFHS, I am especially proud to see this partnership continue its legacy of offering scholarships to students participating in the Nurse-Family Partnership. This initiative not only supports the professional growth of these students, but also our shared commitment to improving healthcare and fostering success for families in our community” said Dr. Jill Murray, President of Lackawanna College. For more information about Maternal and Family Health Services and the Nurse-Family Partnership program, please visit https://mfhs.org/services/nurse-family-partnership Photo L to R: Denise Larson, AVP Enrollment Management and Student Success, Lackawanna College Maria Montoro Edwards, PhD, President and CEO, Maternal and Family Health Services Stephanie Cox, Scholarship Recipient Maria Stefano, Scholarship Recipient Cheryl Kramer, MS, RN, NFP Nurse Home Visitor, Maternal and Family Health Services AnnMarie Jennings, BSN, RN, Nurse Supervisor NFP, Maternal and Family Health Services Ann Jones, BSN,RN, Director of NFP, Maternal and family Health Services
Maternal and Family Health Services Elects Board Officers Maternal and Family Health Services (MFHS), a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the health and well-being of families, recently elected a new slate of board officers. These individuals bring a diverse and dynamic range of expertise, which will help further the organization’s mission to provide essential health services, education, and advocacy for women, children, and families in the communities we serve. The newly appointed board officers include: Chair: Christine Jensen, Site Administrator, Pennsylvania Career Link Vice Chair: Lake Ryan Gemzik, Chief Operating Officer/SVP of Finance and HR, Building Blocks Learning Center Treasurer: Suzanne Fletcher, CPA, CGMA, Retired Secretary: Jesse Simon, IT Tech Support, Luzerne County Head Start, Inc. These distinguished leaders collectively possess vast experience that will help guide MFHS as it continues to address the ever-evolving needs of families. “We are thrilled to welcome this new slate of board officers who bring an impressive breadth of knowledge and a shared commitment to our mission,” said Maria Montoro Edwards, President and CEO of MFHS. “Each of these individuals brings a unique perspective that will help ensure that MFHS remains a vital resource for the families we serve.” MFHS expresses its deep gratitude for the time, dedication, and leadership these new board officers bring. Their ongoing commitment to MFHS’s mission will play a key role in helping the organization create lasting, positive change for families in need.
Maternal and Family Health Services Awarded Coalition Grant Maternal and Family Health Services (MFHS) has received $900,000 in funding to develop a Regional Maternal Health Coalition (RMHC) in a 14-county service area within its existing footprint. Utilizing the CDC’s State Strategies for Preventing Pregnancy- Related Deaths and principles of community engagement, MFHS will work to select, implement, and evaluate the PA Maternal Mortality Review Committee’s (2024) recommendations for improving maternal health outcomes, promoting maternal health equity, and reducing health disparities. The goal of the project is to help improve care for pregnant women and babies by addressing maternal health issues at the local level through the creation and enhancement of regional coalitions. “There is an increasing need for access to health care and support services for women, especially during pregnancy and during the postpartum period. We’ve seen the need for these kind of services for years, and it continues to grow,” said Maria Montoro Edwards, PhD, MFHS President and CEO. “This funding will have a tremendous impact on women and families in need. MFHS is focused on improving the health outcomes related to pregnant and postpartum mothers. To lead coalition activities, MFHS hired Project Coordinator London McPhatter, MPH, who will ensure the formation of activities to find and implement real solutions to high maternal morbidity rates especially among vulnerable communities. MFHS is uniquely positioned to deliver this program given the organization’s long-standing commitment to serving women, children, and families with programs that are proven to have a positive impact on maternal and child health outcomes. The coalition will serve the 14 PA counties of Bradford, Carbon, Lackawanna, Lehigh, Luzerne, Northampton, Monroe, Pike, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Schuylkill, Tioga, Wayne, and Wyoming.
Maternal and Family Health Services Hires Director of Behavioral Health Services Yurii Lynn Harden, LCSW is returning to Maternal and Family Health Services (MFHS) as the new Director of Behavioral Health Services. In this role, Yurii will be focused on expanding behavioral health services to include teletherapy, outreach through the Minority Fellowship Program (MFP), and the introduction of therapy support groups, staff trainings, and comprehensive support for both clients and staff. Yurii originally joined MFHS as part of the foundational team that launched the Healthy Moms Program. With over 30 years of experience in the social services field, she has held a variety of leadership positions, including Director of Social Services at First Hospital, Assistant Clinical Director at Embark Behavioral Health, and most recently, Director of Social Services at Wyoming Valley Behavioral Hospital. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Yurii brings a variety of expertise, including certifications as an ASAM Trauma-Informed Trainer and Adolescent Trauma Therapist. “I firmly believe that the best behavioral health services are delivered in an individual’s natural surroundings (aka home, school, with their family) and need to include more than just the identified client,” Yurii said. “We cannot truly understand one another unless we are literally as close as possible to what they are facing on a day-to-day basis.” In addition to her professional accomplishments, Yurii is a mother to three adult children and an animal lover with a unique family of pets that includes four dogs, a cat, and a beloved pig named Elvis. She enjoys Sci-Fi and Thriller movies, and loves coffee, wine, and thunderstorms. Yurii’s commitment to enhancing behavioral health services and her belief in community-based care will be invaluable as she leads the continued development of the behavioral health program at MFHS. Please join us in welcoming Yurii as the Director of Behavioral Health Services!
Maternal and Family Health Services to Host Community Luncheon Celebrating Leaders MFHS is happy to announce the 2024 Annual Community Luncheon, scheduled for October 29th at The Banks Waterfront in Pittston. Please join as they honor First Lady Lori Shapiro and Second Lady Blayre Davis with the 2024 Outstanding Public Service Award. MFHS President and CEO Maria Montoro Edwards will engage in a generative conversation with our honorees, focused on their commitment to improving women’s health in the Commonwealth. Tickets are $65 per person, or $500 for a table of 8. RSVP by Wednesday, October 16th to reserve your seat. Program advertising opportunities are also available.
Maternal and Family Health Services Announces Staff Promotion At Maternal and Family Health Services (MFHS), Laurie Waskovich, MS, RD, CLC, has been promoted to Nutrition Services Administrator. This newly created role reflects an expansion of nutrition services at MFHS and Laurie’s oversight of existing and newly developed service lines. As Nutrition Services Administrator, Waskovich oversees nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and quality management in the Women, Infants, and Children Nutrition Program (WIC), and has expanded her responsibilities to include oversight of nutrition and lactation support for the maternity program. In addition, Waskovich launched and oversees the innovative TeleWIC clinic at MFHS, maximizing access to WIC through remote options for WIC visits. For the last twenty years, Laurie has been ensuring high quality nutrition and breastfeeding services at MFHS in various roles in the WIC Program. Waskovich holds a BS in Nutrition Sciences from Penn State University and a Masters in Food and Nutrition from Marywood College, and is a Certified Lactation Counselor.
MFHS Donates Diapers and Baby Wipes to Families in Need Maternal and Family Health Services (MFHS) is pleased to announce that a Mother’s Day Diaper Drive organized by Penn East Federal Credit Union collected 7,500 diapers, 7,000 baby wipes, 177 baby outfits, and $2,000 in cash donations for the families enrolled in their Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) Program. The Penn East FCU Community Involvement Committee (CIC) coordinated the activity at all five Penn East FCU branches during the month of April, with the goal of collecting over 2,000 diapers. “We are so grateful to the staff and customers of Penn East FCU for supporting our Nurse-Family Partnership clients,” said MFHS President and CEO, Maria Montoro Edwards, PhD, “The response was incredible, and will make such a difference to the at-risk mothers and children we serve.” The Nurse-Family Partnership program pairs specially trained nurses with at risk, often young, mothers-to-be, beginning early in the pregnancy and continuing until the child’s second birthday. NFP nurses help families prepare for their child, and help them lay the foundation for a lifetime of healthy habits. Penn East has been an integral part of the community in Lackawanna to, Luzerne, and Wyoming counties for over eighty years. Penn East FCU’s team believes that by assisting and being involved in their membership counties, they can help to create and be a part of a more positive future for Northeastern Pennsylvania. Through the diaper drive, the community-minded credit has made a positive impact in the lives of the local families that MFHS serves.
MFHS Holds Inaugural Mother’s Day Celebration Maternal and Family Health Services held With Love which was a celebration of all the mothers in Northeast Pennsylvania, and an opportunity to thank them for all that they do. The two events took place the week before Mother’s Day at Voodoo Brewing Co. and at the Hazleton Art League. Both evenings featured a photo booth, flower cart, self-care station, activities for kids, and food stations. All proceeds raised from the events will support programming at MFHS for women, children, and families in need. The events were made possible thanks to the generosity of the following sponsors: Building Blocks Learning Center Highmark Youngman, Rosenthal & Shaffer Wealth Management Group The Hazzouri Group at Morgan Stanley Wayne Memorial Hospital Honesdale National Bank Pondurance Topp Business Solutions DxDempsey Architecture Gmerek Government Relations Caring Communities Snyder & Clemente Law Offices of Phillip Gelso Attainable Edge Barbara Bossi Progressive Insurance Foundation Fidelity Bank Jennifer Lee Hetro LLC Suzanne Fletcher Posture Interactive Bayard Printing For over 50 years, MFHS has been supporting the health and nutrition of our community by delivering programs and services that meet critical needs and result in positive outcomes for mothers and children. These programs include: the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Nutrition Program, The Nurse-Family Partnership Program, reproductive care, and the Healthy Beginnings Plus Maternity Program. Together these programs form a maternal health safety net that protects the health of pregnant individuals by connecting them to essential care and support services.
