Beverly’s PGH illustrates need for help in PA communities
Policy Committee, Black Maternal Health Caucus co-host roundtable
PA Black Maternal Health Caucus April 16, 2025 | 12:48 PM
NORTH HUNTINGDON, April 16 – State lawmakers took part in a roundtable and toured a nonprofit in Westmoreland County that serves seven counties in southwestern Pennsylvania, supplying families and babies not only with the basics but also the ability to celebrate achievements and moments in life that sometimes can be overlooked depending on people’s personal finances.
The House Majority Policy Committee and Black Maternal Health Caucus co-hosted a roundtable discussion and tour of Beverly’s PGH, which formerly went under the brand of Beverly’s Birthdays. Beverly’s PGH is a nonprofit with a dedicated mission of providing every child and family with the support and resources they need.
“We included this event during the Black Maternal Health Week Summit because we have introduced Momnibus 2.0, which includes a variety of bills and legislation connected to the work of Beverly’s PGH,” said state Rep. La’Tasha D. Mayes, who co-chairs the Black Maternal Health Caucus and co-hosted the event.
One of those bills, the Maternal and Newborn Supply Kit Program, has been introduced by Mayes and Rep. Gina H. Curry this session.
“This legislation would be a pilot program to examine how we can source these kits for moms and babies all across the commonwealth, and Beverly’s is the premier organization that does this work,” Mayes said.
Beverly’s work includes Pennsylvania’s one-of-its-kind formula bank, with seven locations and one mobile bank. Since it opened in June 2022, it has helped serve the formula needs for about 3,500 babies and infants.
“I want to thank the Black Maternal Health Caucus for the work they are doing in improving the health of not only Black moms but of all moms in the state,” said state Rep. Arvind Venkat, who co-hosted the event and represents portions of Allegheny County. “As a physician, I have seen this crisis pretty close at hand and can share stories of patients who unfortunately we have allowed to let fall through the gaps. This work and the Momnibus is really how we move the ball forward and make a difference.
“We’re seeing challenges to how we deliver health care around the country, and further threats that may be coming out of D.C.,” Venkat added.
Beverly’s Place founder and Executive Director Megs Yunn and her team explained their mission of celebrating and strengthening families.
Like many nonprofits and businesses, Beverly’s has experienced uncertainty in product prices following the recent tariff announcements, which has provided another level of concern for the nonprofit as it attempts to acquire all the goods families, babies and children need.
“We are so happy to be able to partner with the Maternal Black Health Caucus and the work they are doing to bring serious issues to the forefront,” said House Majority Policy Chairman Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, who represents portions of Erie County. “We will continue the work needed to get these bills moving and improving lives across the state.”
Beverly’s has existed for 13 years, and it has been located in its current North Huntingdon location for about three years. Beyond just providing basics, it also hosts baby showers and provides about 12,000 birthday gifts a year for children and families that could not otherwise celebrate in that manner.
Information about this hearing and other House Majority Policy Committee hearings can be found at pahouse.com/policy. Photos to be used for publication can be found at pahouse.com/PolicyCommittee/Galleries.