Wilkes-Barre, Pa – Maternal and Family Health Services (MFHS) announced that it has received $1.6 million in federal funds from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This funding will help women and families in Northeastern Pennsylvania have access to much-needed medical care.

“We are pleased that our organization, once again, has been awarded this vital health care grant,” said Dr. Maria Montoro Edwards, President and CEO of Maternal & Family Health Services. “As a Title X grant recipient for over 50 years, MFHS has served as our region’s direct connection to quality, affordable reproductive healthcare. We are dedicated to making sure our community is connected to the support and care they need to make informed, educated decisions about their reproductive health.”

Established by Congress in 1970, the Title X program prioritizes the needs of low-income and uninsured women, men and teens by offering comprehensive reproductive health and preventative services to those whose incomes fall below the federal poverty level.  MFHS Family Planning is comprised of a diverse network of direct service delivery and 16 sub-contracting health care agencies who provide services in various medically under-served settings as well as those regions where a shortage of medical professionals exists.

“With this award, we will continue to remove barriers to accessing quality reproductive and sexual health services in our area. When individuals have access to comprehensive reproductive health and prevention services, they are better able to plan and space their births. This leads to positive health, social and economic outcomes for women and families in our communities,” said Dr. Montoro Edwards.

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Maternal and Family Health Services is a non-profit health and human service organization working to improve the health of Pennsylvania women and children by offering programs that prevent disease, promote wellness, and empower individuals to make healthy lifestyle choices. The agency oversees a network of health and nutrition centers in 17 Pennsylvania counties serving nearly 90,000 individuals each year through the following core programs: WIC Nutrition Program, Family Planning Program, Nurse-Family Partnership, the SafeTeens Initiative, and the Healthy Beginnings Plus Prenatal Program.  For more information, call 1-800-367-6347, or visit www.mfhs.org.