Maternal & Family Health Services: Connecting NEPA Families to Compassionate Care
For more than 50 years, Maternal & Family Health Services (MFHS) has been a trusted resource in Northeast Pennsylvania — delivering quality care and support to individuals and families across every stage of life. From reproductive health and behavioral counseling to nutrition support, dental care and parenting classes, MFHS is helping thousands each year access the services they need, when they need them.
With a growing presence across 17 counties and a new all-in-one Circle of Care facility in Scranton, MFHS is working hard to remove barriers — whether it’s transportation, affordability, or simply knowing where to begin. And no matter your income, insurance status, or background, the door is always open.
As the official Women, Infact and Child (WIC) program provider across 17 counties in Northeastern Pennsylvania, MFHS helps tens of thousands of families each year get access to nutritious food, breastfeeding support and healthcare referrals.
But WIC is just one piece of what they offer.
MFHS offers a broad network of services for everyone — no matter your income level or insurance status. And at their flagship Circle of Care center in Scranton, it all comes together under one roof.
One-Stop Care at Scranton’s Circle of Care
Opened in May 2023, MFHS’s Circle of Care in Scranton is a model for the future of maternal and family health. The site combines WIC services, OB care, behavioral health, dental, reproductive care and even in-house lab testing — all in one welcoming environment.
“This is our maternity medical home,” explains Betsy Ardizoni, MFHS Director of Development. “All the services we offer are here under one roof. We really just want to be there for people — fill the need, and provide access to quality care. We want people to feel safe. They can come here without any questions asked and receive the care that they need.”
The clinical side offers everything from ultrasounds and cervical cancer screenings to STI treatment, family planning and fertility guidance. The WIC department supports pregnant women and families with young children — including foster parents, grandparents, and caregivers — up to the child’s fifth birthday.
MFHS also provides dental care to clients through a licensed hygienist and a visiting dentist. “Anyone enrolled in any of our programs can access dental,” says Betsy. “You can do same-day crowns, fillings—pretty much everything here.”
Beyond WIC: Classes, Counseling and Community
MFHS is building more than a healthcare network—it’s building a community.
The Scranton location offers free parenting and prenatal classes free of charge for anyone in Northeastern, PA. From Bump to Baby and Beyond newborn care sessions to Morning with Moms support groups, the classes are a great resource for families as as they prepare for life with a new baby.
They also host Betty’s Closet, which provides free maternity clothes, belly bands and hospital-ready bags stocked with robes, slippers and essentials. Through a partnership with Toyota, MFHS also distributes free car seats to families in need.
And for families facing transportation barriers, MFHS offers help through a grant-funded partnership with Uber Health. “It’s really reduced our no-show rate,” says Cindy Kennedy, Director of Community Impact & Partnerships. “Transportation is a huge barrier. We’re able to use it not just for coming here, but to go to the hospital or for Maternal Fetal Medicine at Montage Mountain.”
“Being a mom is hard. Having little kids is hard. So many people don’t have the resources that maybe our moms had before. The fourth trimester is important too — not just when the mom is pregnant. We really want to be able to provide them with the support they need.”
Mental Health Matters
Another service is MFHS’s approach to behavioral health, with individual counseling available during and after pregnancy.
“Being a mom is hard. Having little kids is hard,” says Betsy. “So many people don’t have the resources that maybe our moms had before. “The fourth trimester is important too — not just when the mom is pregnant. We really want to be able to provide them with the support they need.”
The team works hard to make sure patients feel supported in the moment.
“If you have something going on, we’ll address it that day,” Ardizoni says. “If you feel like you need to talk to the therapist, they’ll bring you over. I think giving them the time to sort of say what they need is something that’s important that we do.”
Navigators Who Can Help
Not sure where to start? That’s okay. MFHS has Care Navigators who speak English and Spanish and are ready to help. Whether you’re calling for birth control, an STI screening, or just have questions about services and support, the navigator team will guide you to the right program or partner.
“Having that live person that you can talk to and just sort of say, ‘I’m confused. I don’t know what to do — can you help?’ is really nice.” says Betsy. “If it’s something that we don’t offer, they’ll connect you with the community partner.”
To get started, just call (570) 273-1288.
Expanding Services Across the Region
MFHS currently serves more than 100,000 individuals annually across their 17-county region, including Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Wayne, Wyoming, Carbon and more. And they’re growing to meet increasing need.
“We just want to be able to continue to provide the services that are needed in the region,” says Ardizoni. “That’s really our goal — making sure people have access to care.”
New locations and programs are launching throughout 2025:
- Monroe County will receive maternity services later this year in partnership with Lehigh Valley Health Network.
- Carbon County began offering family planning services as of July 1.
- Hazleton is also on the radar for expanding reproductive and maternity services.
MFHS has also established a Regional Maternal Health Coalition in response to findings from the Pennsylvania Maternal Mortality Review Committee. The group — made up of providers, advocates and people with lived experience — is working across 14 counties to improve outcomes and prevent maternal deaths.
Help Spread the Word
MFHS continues to made a major impact across Northeast Pennsylvania — even if not everyone knows it yet. “We’re the best kept secret and we don’t want it to be,” says Cindy Kennedy. As Betsy Ardizoni adds, “We want more people to know about us. We just want to continue to bridge the gaps and meet the needs of people.”
You can support that mission in a number of ways — by donating, sharing resources or getting involved in community events. MFHS welcomes local groups to host diaper and hygiene drives and encourages the public to help spread the word about free period products available at all 17 WIC centers — no questions asked. Seasonal fundraisers like the annual Mother’s Day event and fall gathering also help fuel their programs throughout the year.
Connect with Maternal & Family Heath Services
To learn more about Maternal & Family Health Services — whether you’re looking for care, want to support their mission, or just need help getting started — visit their website. From scheduling an appointment to organizing a community drive, there are many ways to get involved and make a difference.
