Be Someone for Kids Award Recognizes Lawmaker’s Work to Build Better Futures for Children and Families
HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children, the only statewide advocacy organization with a public policy agenda that spans the life of a child prenatally through adulthood, presented Rep. Morgan Cephas (D-Philadelphia) with its annual Be Someone for Kids award in recognition of her work as a fierce advocate for women’s health care and expanding early care and education opportunities for children.
Kari King, President and CEO of PPC, said Rep. Cephas is a champion of the Thriving PA campaign and its work to ensure Pennsylvania extended Medicaid coverage for moms from 60 days to 12 months. According to CDC data, Black women died of health problems exacerbated by pregnancy and birth at nearly 3 times the rate of white women in 2020.
“Rep. Cephas has worked tirelessly since being elected in 2016 to address maternal mortality rates in Pennsylvania, particularly the disproportionate rates of women of color who experience maternal mortality or morbidity. Having authored a package of bills in the last two legislative sessions, we are grateful for her partnership as we work to improve outcomes for women of color.”
“I am honored to accept the 2022 ‘Be Someone for Kids’ award from Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children. I will remain focused and vigilant in my work addressing the maternal mortality rate in the commonwealth, an issue that disproportionally impacts women of color,” said Cephas. “Together with the advocacy community, we can create a safe and healthy environment for every single Pennsylvanian.”
Along with the Wolf Administration, Rep. Cephas advocated for American Rescue Plan funds for initiatives such as lead abatement and remediation, doula certification, and maternal care innovation grants.
Rep. Cephas serves as the co-chair of the Pennsylvania Women’s Health Caucus, which works to develop and implement legislation and social policy that protects women’s health. She has proposed legislation to provide child care to parents in college and legislation that would create a tax credit for employers who implement on-site child care for employees.
King presented the award to Rep. Cephas during a ceremony at the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry with PPC’s Board of Directors and sponsors: Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC, Customers Bank, Highmark Blue Shield, Independence Blue Cross, Pennsylvania Chamber of Business & Industry, Amerihealth Caritas, and Penn State Health.
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About Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children
Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children is a strong, effective, and trusted voice to improve the health, education, and well-being of children and youth in the commonwealth. Since 1992 its public policy victories have helped countless children learn, thrive, and succeed, regardless of circumstances. PPC is statewide, independent, non-partisan and non-profit. Learn more at papartnerships.org.
About Thriving PA
Thriving PA is a perinatal and child health campaign launched in 2021. It works to ensure each birthing person, infant, and toddler in Pennsylvania has the opportunity for affordable, quality health care access. Learn more at www.thrivingpa.org.