June 2, 2025
West Chester, PA (June 2, 2025) – Play ball! Softball players in the West Chester Area Sports Association (WCASA) are enjoying new dugouts this spring and summer thanks in part to state grant funding secured by state Senator Carolyn Comitta.
WCASA, a nonprofit organization, was awarded funding for the improvements through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s Keystone Communities Initiative Grant Program.
“Sports bring people together. They not only promote physical fitness and exercise, but help instill important values like teamwork, dedication, and leadership,” said Comitta. “With this funding, WCASA has improved its fields and facilities to help bring the love of sports to even more young people, families, and generations of future athletes.”
The four new dugouts and player benches were installed on the softball fields at WCASA’s 17-acre complex to meet the expanding infrastructure needs of the growing sports and wellness association.
“The new dugouts will help keep our players safe from the sun and heat by providing a shady place to sit,” said Gary Zimmerman, President of the West Chester Area Sports Association. “We greatly appreciate the support of Senator Comitta in helping us secure the grant.”
The West Chester Area Sports Association Sports complex on Westtown Road in West Goshen includes five enclosed, lighted fields hosting baseball, softball, football, soccer, lacrosse, and field hockey games throughout the year.
Founded by the late Alvy “Al” Kelly, today WCASA is home to athletic leagues comprised of thousands of participants ages 5-85 (not including coaches and volunteers).
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June 2, 2025
West Chester, Pa (June 2, 2025) – Two Chester County-based programs that teach children and students about the importance of protecting our clean streams and waterways were recently awarded state funding, state Senator Carolyn Comitta said.
The funding, made available through the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Environmental Education Grants program, is as follows:
- $23,187 for the Brandywine Conservancy and Museum of Art to support the Waterside Tales program. The program aims to empower local communities and raise awareness of water quality impacts by engaging people in activities such as storybook walks and discussions about land use impacts and solutions to help protect water quality.
- $30,000 for the Stroud Water Research Center for the development and use of outdoor learning spaces at six school sites in Chester, Lancaster and Lebanon counties. The grant funding will also be used to implement a water-based curriculum in collaboration with local school districts and provide training and other support for teachers who will design the learning space lessons.
“The Pennsylvania Constitution affirms our right to clean air and pure water, so the sooner we begin teaching our young people about the importance of protecting our streams, creeks, rivers, and waterways from pollution, the better,” said Comitta, a former public-school teacher who serves as minority chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, said. “As we to face the growing challenges of climate change, these investments will help prepare the next generation to continue our work and lead us into a cleaner, greener, more sustainable future.”
The Chester County-based projects come as part of 68 programs statewide that were awarded funding to promote environmental stewardship.
According to DEP, the Environmental Education Grants program prioritizes proposals that will deliver meaningful environmental education programs to people who live, work, or attend school in areas of the Commonwealth most threatened by climate change, and air and water pollution. This year 87 percent of the awarded projects will support projects that engage youth and/or adults within such areas.
“These projects help connect people to the ways we can protect the air we breathe and the water we drink, and many of them encourage learning at any age whether you’re a kid or an adult,” said DEP Acting Secretary Jessica Shirley. “Every grant we are awarding supports educational opportunities and will further improve people’s connections to their environment.”
The 2025 projects aim to deliver a wide range of environmental education programs that include providing youth with unique immersive field experiences, engaging community residents in practical climate resiliency projects, supporting school districts’ efforts to develop new Science, Technology & Engineering, Environmental Literacy & Sustainability (STEELS) standards-based curriculum, and many more.
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May 22, 2025
Harrisburg, Pa (May 21, 2025) –Music therapists in Pennsylvania could be professionally licensed by the Commonwealth, bringing significant economic and therapeutic benefits to families and communities under new legislation introduced by state Senators Elder Vogel and Carolyn Comitta.
The bipartisan legislation, Senate Bill 579, would establish a board certification exam, continuing education requirements, and a code of ethics for trained music therapists to receive professional licensure under the State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Professional Counselors.
“For years, I have been pushing for Pennsylvania to establish state licensure for music therapists to provide another avenue for those in need of therapy services,” said Vogel. “Due to not having state licensure, most patients are denied insurance coverage for this therapy and music therapists then are limited in job opportunities here in the Commonwealth and seek employment elsewhere. Patients are losing out on a beneficial health care option and Pennsylvania is losing out on family-sustaining jobs and generating economic revenue. I am happy to introduce this legislation again and continue to fight for this important treatment option for those who can truly benefit from it.”
“Music therapy can be a powerful tool to promote healing, well-being, and recovery. And licensing our highly trained music therapists will not only reduce public health costs and improve access to care, but it will also boost our economy, increase tax revenue, and help create jobs,” said Comitta, who serves on the Senate Education Committee. “I’m proud to partner with Senator Vogel on this legislation. I also want to recognize state Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski, who championed this issue in the House. I appreciate their efforts and the work of all our music therapists and advocates in communities across the Commonwealth.”
Music Therapy is an evidence-based healthcare profession that can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, ease pain, and improve communication and social skills.
Pennsylvania is home to the largest number of higher education programs in the country for music therapy, yet professional licensure for music therapists is not currently offered in the Commonwealth.
As a result, many highly trained music therapists end up in neighboring states, like New Jersey, Maryland, and Virginia, where they can be licensed. In fact, as many as 80 percent of Maryland LPMTs (Licensed Professional Music Therapists) were trained at Pennsylvania institutions.
By establishing a license for music therapy, Pennsylvania could regain approximately $7 million by retaining graduates and $135.4 million by enabling music therapists to bill appropriately, according to the Pennsylvania Music Therapy Task Force.
In addition, most insurance companies and Behavioral Health Managed Care Organizations (BH-MCOs) deny coverage to music therapists because they lack state licensure, even when they are nationally board-certified. Of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties, at least 60 are blocked from reimbursed music therapy services with BH-MCOs. As a result, employers lose approximately $128,752 per music therapist, adding up to more than $93 million in lost revenue annually for Pennsylvania businesses, healthcare facilities, and therapy practices, according to the task force.
Senate Bill 579 represents a significant opportunity to retain professional talent, expand health care access, and capture substantial economic value currently forfeited to neighboring states with more developed regulatory frameworks.
Pennsylvania is currently home to more than 600 music therapists serving 49,000 residents each year. They assist clients with a variety of clinical needs, including Alzheimer’s disease, autism spectrum disorders, cerebrovascular accidents (strokes), dementia, depression, developmental and intellectual differences, Parkinson’s disease, post-traumatic stress disorders, terminal illnesses, traumatic brain injuries, visual impairments, and more.
Senate Bill 579 is before the Senate Consumer Affairs and Professional Licensure Committee. It is co-sponsored by 14 senators from both sides of the aisle.
There is companion legislation in the House, House Bill 563, sponsored by Pashinski.
May 21, 2025
West Chester, Pa (May 21, 2025) – Schools in the West Chester Area, Octorara Area, and Unionville-Chadds Ford School Districts will soon be powered by solar energy thanks to state funding approved this week, state Senator Carolyn Comitta said.
The funding, approved by the Commonwealth Financing Authority, comes through Pennsylvania’s new Solar for Schools grant program.
“These investments will help schools in Chester County and across the Commonwealth transition to cleaner, more cost-effective solar energy,” Comitta said. “Our public schools, and educational institutions are powering the future of Pennsylvania. It just makes sense that they are powered in a sustainable, environmentally friendly, and economically smart way.”
The program, passed last year by the legislature, helps fund solar projects at public schools, community colleges, and career and technical schools that reduce carbon emissions, save taxpayer dollars, and educate our students about the importance of renewable sources of energy.
The West Chester Area School District was awarded $167,000 to install a solar photovoltaic (PV) system at East Bradford Elementary School. The solar installation will help reduce the district’s carbon footprint and foster opportunities to educate students about renewable energy. The project also calls for installing real-time solar PV displays in the school lobby allowing students to observe, track, and appreciate solar energy production.
The Octorara Area School District was awarded $300,000 for a ten-acre solar array and the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District was awarded $299,000 for a rooftop solar array on Unionville High School.
The funding for schools in Chester County comes as part of $22.5 million in total state funding awarded to 73 schools across the Commonwealth.
Passed as Act 69 of 2024, the Solar for Schools grant program helps schools cover the up-front costs of the purchase and installation of solar equipment, permit fees, energy storage, utility interconnection, and other costs.
Comitta, who serves as minority chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, voted for the bipartisan legislation and helped champion its passage in the Senate.
May 21, 2025
Coatesville, Pa (May 21, 2025) – State Senator Carolyn Comitta was recently joined by Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen and the Maternal and Child Health Consortium (MCHC) of Chester County to highlight state and local efforts to support the health of new moms and babies.
“Parenthood can be challenging. Babies don’t come with an instruction manual, but that is where our community comes in,” Comitta told a crowd of dozens of new moms, expectant moms, parents, children, and families at the Second Annual Community Baby Shower. “Chester County is home to a strong network of community partners and nonprofit organizations that work together to support new families, moms, children, and parents.”
The event, held at the Gordon Early Learning Center, offered an opportunity to connect with and learn about the many resources and services available to Chester County families. More than 200 people and 30 vendors participated, enjoying free activities for children and raffle prizes, as well as the distribution of free diapers and other baby supplies collected by MCHC.
This year’s Community Baby Shower event coincided with Black Maternal Health Week, an opportunity to bring awareness to maternal health inequities and to empower Black mothers, families, and communities of color.
“We know that taking a public health approach to healthier mothers, infants, and families involves addressing numerous health issues,” said Secretary Bogen. “We are celebrating the good work happening here, but we also have to understand why this work is so vital. We must not forget that we currently have an unacceptable and horrifying health disparity for black women and babies, which we have to eliminate.”
In Pennsylvania, Black women experience significantly higher maternal mortality rates compared to White women, with Black women being twice as likely to die during pregnancy, labor, or postpartum. In addition, Black women in Pennsylvania are 2.5 times more likely to experience infant death than women of other races.
Comitta, a member of the Pennsylvania Women’s Health Caucus and the Black Maternal Health Caucus, continues to work with her colleagues in the state legislature and communities across Chester County to reverse that trend.
She has worked to expand Medicare coverage for mothers for up to one year postpartum, helped pass legislation to extend coverage to doula services, voted for a new law to help moms with postpartum depression, and secured state funding for MCHC’s doula program. She also continues to support efforts to modernize regulations governing midwives and remains dedicated to ending racial disparities in maternal healthcare.
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May 16, 2025
West Chester, Pa (May 16, 2025) – Volunteers at Alert Fire Company No. 1 in Downingtown are getting new portable radios thanks to state grant funding secured by state Senator Carolyn Comitta.
The funding, which comes through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, will support the purchase of 16 Kenwood portable radios. The investment means that Alert will now have enough radios to provide one per firefighter when responding to emergencies.
“These radios are used on every call—whether responding to fires, accidents, medical emergencies, or other critical incidents. They are more than just a convenience; they are a lifeline for our firefighters in the field,” said Lt. Tyler Smith of Alert Fire Company. “Without radios, we face an increased risk of miscommunication, delayed response times, and, ultimately, a threat to the safety of both our firefighters and the public.”
“In an emergency, timely communication is crucial, especially for our first responders,” Comitta said. “I was proud to help secure this investment so that every firefighter at Alert has the tools and technology they need to do their jobs safely, efficiently, and effectively. And I want to thank all the volunteer firefighters serving our communities in the Downingtown Fire Department, and throughout Chester County.”
Comitta also thanks state Rep. Danielle Friel Otten for her support of and advocacy in securing the new equipment.
Dating back to 1887, Alert Fire Company is a non-profit, 100 percent volunteer, full-service fire and heavy rescue organization, providing care to the residents of Downingtown Borough, East Caln Township, and the surrounding areas.
It, along with Minquas Fire Co. No. 2, is one of two fire companies that make-up the Downingtown Fire Department.
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May 15, 2025
Wayne, Pa (May 15, 2025) – Senior citizens are invited to join state Senator Carolyn Comitta and state Senator Amanda Cappelletti for a fun afternoon of dancing, music, and community bonding at their 3rd Annual Senior Prom.
The free, tropical-themed event is set for Thursday, May 22, from 2 – 4 p.m. at the Wayne Senior Center. It will feature legislative resources, state services, and program information available to seniors in Chester and Delaware counties.
“One of my goals is to connect our residents to the various resources, and programs available to them and there is no better event to do this than our Senior Prom,” said Comitta, who serves on the Senate Aging and Youth Committee. “Senator Cappelletti and I are happy to invite you to ‘make a splash’ with our constituent services teams. Join us for an afternoon of fun and bring any questions you may have about state programs and available resources.”
“I am excited to join Senator Comitta in hosting our third annual Senior Prom with the Wayne Senior Center,” said Senator Cappelletti. “This beloved event brings joy, connection, and celebration to the seniors who mean so much to our community. More than just a dance, it’s a chance to honor their spirit, friendship, and contributions. We’re proud to continue this tradition and would love for you to be part of it. Join us in making this year’s prom a night to remember!”
Dressing in tropical, island, or boat-themed attire is encouraged.
The Wayne Senior Center is located at 108 Station Road.
Individuals interested in attending should contact the Wayne Senior Center at 610-688-6246 or email info@wayneseniorcenter.org to RSVP.
For additional questions, please contact Senator Comitta’s office at 610-692-2112 or Senator Cappelletti’s office at 610-768-4200.
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May 13, 2025
Harrisburg, Pa (May 13, 2025) – Arts educators and students from across Pennsylvania recently converged on the steps of the state Capitol in Harrisburg to highlight the value of arts education programs and call for continued investments in this year’s state budget.
“Music, theatre, dance, and arts education programs are essential. We know because study after study confirms that arts education programs significantly benefit student growth and development. And we know because we can see firsthand. We can see it in their progress and in the eyes of the students joining us today,” said Comitta, a former public-school teacher who serves on the Senate Education Committee.
In celebrating Arts Advocacy Day in the Commonwealth, Comitta was joined by state Representative R. Lee James, state Representative Eddie Day Pashinski, and members of the Pennsylvania Arts Education Leadership Coalition.
With threats and cuts to funding at the federal level, they emphasized the importance of fully funding arts education programs in this year’s state budget.
Pashinski, who taught music and directed choir for nearly four decades, spoke of the need to prioritize arts education funding for all schools, warning: “When we do not have enough money in our school budget, what is the first thing they cut? The arts. And the arts are important, and that is why we are here today.”
Kiara Braswell, a former University of the Arts student and current student at Drexel University studying dance, shared her experience as an arts student after the University of the Arts closed last year.
“I know what it feels like when the beauty of the arts community is stripped away because of a lack of support and care,” she said. “Every child in Pennsylvania deserves the hope that the arts can bring to their future, so please take action and give us the resources we need.”
Studies show that arts education programs benefit students by boosting academic achievement, reducing stress, improving behavior, and enhancing concentration, self-confidence, and critical-thinking skills.
Brett Keith, President of the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association, stressed the economic contributions of arts and cultural programs.
“The impact of the arts does not stop at the classroom door…In Pennsylvania, the arts and culture sectors are a major economic engine. In the Greater Philadelphia region, nonprofit arts and culture organizations generate $1.9 billion in economic activity annually,” he said.
James echoed the economic importance of the arts and culture sector in the Commonwealth, adding that “the sector is responsible for employing 176,000 people.”
Comitta noted that Pennsylvania is in the process of updating its Arts and Humanities Educational Standards for the first time since 2002. This spring, the State Board of Education approved the nominees to serve on the academic standards review committee.
In addition, the group expressed their support for expanding student teacher stipends, increasing investments in basic education funding, and restoring at least one full-time fine arts and humanities advisor at the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
The press conference also featured performances from the Exeter Township Senior High School Marching Band and dance students from the Capital Area School for the Arts.
The Pennsylvania Arts Education Leadership Coalition is composed of the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association, the Pennsylvania Art Education Association, the Pennsylvania Dance Education Organization, the Educational Theatre Association of Pennsylvania, and the Pennsylvania Association for Media Arts Education.
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May 13, 2025
West Chester, Pa (May 12, 2025) – State Senator Carolyn Comitta is reminding eligible Chester County seniors that they can now apply to receive coupons for free locally grown fruits and vegetables through the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program.
“As the weather warms up and fresh, locally grown produce becomes more readily available, the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program is here to help area seniors access nutritious food options,” said Comitta, who serves on the Senate Aging and Youth Committee. “I encourage all eligible residents to apply to this program, support our local farmers, and take advantage of the fresh Pennsylvania produce available at farmers’ markets in Chester County.
Each eligible senior may receive five $5 checks that can be used to purchase fresh Pennsylvania-grown fruits and vegetables at approved farmer’s markets. Checks may be redeemed between June 1 and November 30, 2025.
To qualify you must be aged 60 years or older (or turn 60 by 12/31/2025) and meet household income eligibility guidelines. For a one-person household, total income cannot exceed $28,953. For a two-person household, total income cannot exceed $39,128.
Applications can be found on the Chester County Department of Aging Services website at chesco.org/5537/Farmers-Market-Program or by calling Senator Comitta’s district office at 610-692-2112.
Completed applications can be emailed to mwebb@chesco.org or mailed to Chester County Department of Aging Services 601 Westtown Road, Suite 320, West Chester, PA 19380.
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May 6, 2025
West Chester, Pa (May 2, 2025) — Pennsylvania’s First Lady Lori Shapiro, Senator Carolyn Comitta ’74, and Acting Secretary for the PA Department of Education Dr. Carrie Rowe recently visited West Chester University (WCU) to have an in-depth discussion with students about the many ways that WCU prioritizes students’ basic needs in and out of the classroom. Serving-up success to its undergraduate and graduate students, the University’s Resource Pantry, which first opened in 2016 and later added multifaceted services by aligning with the Center for Civic Engagement & Social Impact, offers one-stop shopping for non-perishable food, fresh produce, toiletries, and school supplies.
WCU Resource Pantry Provides Basic Needs
“No student should have to miss out on higher education and the future career opportunities that come with it because of food or basic needs insecurity,” said Sen. Comitta, who serves on the Senate Education Committee. “While student hunger is a growing issue on campuses across the nation, I’m proud of the work being done at West Chester University and across Pennsylvania to ensure that students have the nutrition and resources they need to learn and thrive. I thank the First Lady, Governor Shapiro, and the University for their leadership and support of this important partnership.”
Since the launch of the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Hunger-Free Campus program in January of 2023, West Chester University has been among those selected to receive funding at colleges, universities, and private licensed schools; $60,000 was awarded to WCU in 2025 and 2024, and $54,399 was awarded in 2023. Thanks to the much-needed financial support, the Center has been able to expand pantry services available to students at its West Chester campus through on-line ordering; increase options for students to access food during evening and weekend hours via on-line order pickup; increase access to healthy and allergy-friendly food; support the expansion of the Resource Pantry at the Philadelphia location; build upon resources to support students in applying for benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); and increase students’ access to off-campus resources.
The staff in the Center for Civic Engagement & Social Impact, which manages the Resource Pantry, also worked with Cheyney University to secure their own Hunger-Free Campus Grant last year. In addition, staff members have also been working with Lincoln University to share information about pantry operations.
“Meeting students’ basic needs continues to be an imperative,” said Acting Secretary of Education Dr. Carrie Rowe. “Pennsylvania is proud that the students, faculty, and staff at West Chester University have not only made this a priority but are modeling ways that others can do the same across the Commonwealth and throughout the nation. We continue to be quite proud of the way this University community has stepped-up to make an ongoing difference in the lives of students.”
The Period Project Launches
Meeting college students’ basic needs, however, is not a one-and-done undertaking. The University became aware of another challenge facing its students — accessing menstrual products due to financial constraints. The launch of the Period Project has helped change much of this by providing free menstrual products in highly frequented on-campus bathrooms.
“Period products are a basic hygiene necessity for students, yet too many young people across the Commonwealth face uncertainty about access during the school day or at college,” said First Lady Lori Shapiro. “I was grateful to visit West Chester University today to learn more about how they launched the Period Project to help provide free menstrual products in campus bathrooms and hear directly from students about how it’s impacting their lives. This program will help us move past stigma, provide essential health products, and give students the dignity and peace of mind they deserve.”
The Period Project was inspired in 2021 as the subject of a Global Studies minor capstone course taken by WCU alumna Katie Kerr ’22. Katie led the implementation of the project and chose to focus her senior capstone research around collecting data on the need for menstrual equity on WCU’s campus. From there, students and now WCU alumnae, Megan Harth ’24 and Lilly-Dawn Harkins ’25, committed themselves to helping their peers secure essential menstrual products at no-cost and on a consistent basis. The two were joined in their grass-roots efforts by The Resource Pantry, in partnership with the Center for Women and Gender Equity, the Center for Civic Engagement and Student Impact, and the Global Studies Minor. The collective work soon led to a collaboration with Aunt Flow, a nonprofit organization working to end period poverty by ensuring access to essential hygiene products, to mount dispensers with free menstruation products on the walls of the highest trafficked bathrooms on campus.
University Provides Support
In spring 2024, Lilly-Dawn and Megan were invited to discuss the Period Project’s details at a cabinet meeting with senior leaders. The two students pitched the administrators about the need for the University to assume financial support for a more permanent network of dispensers. It was at an on-campus Honors College event in fall 2024 that next steps came about; Lilly-Dawn took the initiative to present a proposal to President Laurie Bernotsky. Understanding the project’s importance, President Bernotsky and the members of cabinet agreed without hesitation. Today, the University’s Facilities Department provides the inventory, distribution and maintenance of the dispensers on campus.
“This was a brilliant idea that emanated from concerned students who saw a critical need, collaborated with others, and worked to make it happen,” said President Bernotsky. “We were eager to assist and establish a process whereby the University could provide free menstrual products to students who need them. As advocates and defenders of all our students, we will do whatever we can at this University to remove barriers that impede their success. This has been a win-win for our students and our entire community of learners.”
Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for New Aunt Flow Dispenser
Following the student roundtable, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at the Sciences and Engineering Center & The Commons (SECC), where a new Aunt Flow dispenser had recently been installed in the second-floor women’s bathroom. The day of discussion and celebration culminated with a tour of WCU’s Resource Pantry in Commonwealth Hall.
“The period project is near and dear to my heart, and I am so thankful for the work that Megan and Lilly-Dawn continued after my departure from West Chester University,” said Katie. “I applaud the administration for listening to the concerns of these student advocates and taking actionable steps to invest in a previously unmet need and broaching a topic that is often heavily stigmatized. The continuation of the Period Project ensures that no student needs to miss vital class time or carry the burden of basic need insecurity alone.”
May 5, 2025
West Chester, Pa (May 5, 2025) –To help residents safely and securely dispose of sensitive documents, state Senator Carolyn Comitta and state Representative Kristine Howard are hosting a free community shredding event on Saturday, May 10 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Malvern Fire Company.
Residents taking advantage of this free service are also welcome to bring donations of unexpired, non-perishable food items for the Chester County Food Bank.
“With tax season over and many of our neighbors getting their spring cleaning done, now’s the perfect time to get rid of any papers or documents that contain sensitive or personal information,” said Comitta. “Help protect yourself from the risk of identity theft and bring along unexpired, nonperishable food items to support our local food cupboards.”
“Spring has sprung, and I am honored to once again team up with Sen. Comitta to provide this wonderful spring-cleaning resource to the community,” said Howard.
The documents will be destroyed on-site, and the shredded paper will later be recycled.
Some examples of unneeded documents that should be shredded include: credit card statements and applications, bank records, canceled checks, income tax forms, insurance records, medical and retirement or pension fund information, and any documents that contain personal information like Social Security, credit card, or bank account numbers.
The event is free and open to the public. However, please note the following:
- This event is for individuals only, not businesses.
- There is a three (3) box limit per car.
- Only paper will be accepted. Please do not bring binders, binder clips, or books.
At the event, donations will also be accepted for the Chester County Food Bank, which is in desperate need of items like canned tuna and chicken breast and other non-perishables following the cancellation of deliveries from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
While donations are welcomed and encouraged, they are not required to participate in the shredding event.
The Malvern Fire Company is located at 424 E. King Street, Malvern, PA 19355.
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May 5, 2025
Paoli, Pa (April 29, 2025) – Dozens of state lawmakers, regional business leaders, municipal officials, transit workers, and riders gathered outside the Paoli Train Station this week to call for the legislature to fully fund SEPTA in the upcoming state budget.
The press conference, led by state Senator Carolyn Comitta, highlighted the significant economic, traffic congestion, and quality-of-life impacts that would come with proposed cuts to the public transit system’s regional rail and bus service.
“SEPTA serves the suburbs. Cutting SEPTA won’t just hurt Philadelphia residents and businesses; it will negatively impact our entire region,” Comitta said. “People need to get to work, school, or important medical appointments for us to survive and thrive – as a community and as a Commonwealth. Let’s do what’s right and smart and fully fund SEPTA in the upcoming budget.”
Due to a looming budget deficit, beginning July 1, SEPTA will be forced to increase fares by more than 20 percent and cut service by 45 percent, including eliminating 50 bus routes and five regional rail lines (including the Paoli-Thorndale regional rail line).
Joining Comitta were State Senator John Kane, State Senator Katie Muth, and State Representatives Melissa Shusterman, Chris Pielli, and Lisa Borowski.
“SEPTA is more than just a service – it is a lifeline for so many of our constituents and residents across the Greater Philadelphia area who rely on these critical services so that they can continue to get to work, to school, and to their medical appointments,” Muth said. “Available, affordable, and reliable mass transit is essential to our residents and to our statewide economy. I look forward to working alongside my colleagues to fight for adequate funding for SEPTA and to fight for mass transit when we return to Harrisburg.”
“SEPTA is vitally important to the lives of the residents of Chester County. Our economy depends on SEPTA’s regional rail line to attract and keep families and businesses in our community. Residents depend on SEPTA to travel to medical appointments, work, and entertainment events,” said Shusterman. “It’s unfathomable to think of life in our area without the Paoli-Thorndale line, and we must do absolutely everything we can to adequately fund SEPTA.”
“Over 800,000 people rely on SEPTA’s buses, trains, and trolleys every day to get to work and to go about their daily lives. The truth is that public transportation bolsters commerce which boosts tax revenue, not only in our region, but throughout the entire Commonwealth. Without SEPTA, economic activity in Southeastern Pennsylvania could grind to a halt, with many unable to get to and from work, go to school, or seek medical attention. It’s time for the Republican-controlled Senate to stop playing games with working families and our economy, and properly fund SEPTA,” said Pielli.
The press conference also included comments from Chester County Commissioner and Vice-Chair of SEPTA Marian Moskowitz, Donald Hill, General Chairman of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET), and Tim Phelps, Executive Director of TMACC.
Moskowitz highlighted SEPTA’s success in cutting costs and enhancing efficiency.
“SEPTA is cleaner, safer, and more reliable than ever before. We are doing more with less, but we cannot continue this amazing progress without sustainable investment. This is about more than transit. It’s about the future of our communities, our economy, and our Commonwealth,” Moskowitz said. “Transit is not a cost. It’s an investment. One that multiplies every dollar into jobs, growth, and opportunity.”
“If these cuts go through, the impact on the economy would be severe,” Hill said. “SEPTA has also proposed a 20 percent reduction in workforce, representing well over 200 locomotive engineers and conductors – some of the most highly skilled crafts at SEPTA. It would be absurd to just throw that away.”
“Where strong transit exists, property values are stronger. Businesses grow, communities thrive, and in Chester County, the areas served by the Paoli-Thorndale line have some of the most attractive, fastest-growing neighborhoods in the region,” Phelps said. “When we invest in transit, we aren’t just moving people, we are moving opportunities. We are creating value. We are protecting what makes our region such a special place to live, work, and raise a family.”
“SEPTA plays a vital role in providing transportation for employees, patients and visitors to Paoli Hospital and healthcare facilities across the region. Cuts in funding to SEPTA would be incredibly harmful and threaten access to care in our local communities. We thank our elected officials for opposing cuts to SEPTA and strongly urge lawmakers to provide fair funding for public transportation,” said Yonathan Kebede, President of Paoli Hospital.
Comitta highlighted SEPTA’s important role in powering the economy of the five-county Southeastern Pennsylvania region, which generates 38 percent (or $15.5 billion) of Pennsylvania’s General Fund tax revenues and accounts for 41 percent of the state’s economic activity.
Standing in support of SEPTA funding at the press conference were regional, municipal and business leaders including Chair of the Chester County Commissioners Josh Maxwell; David A. Byerman, Chief Executive Officer of Chester County; Rachel Cathell, Executive Director of the Western Chester County Chamber of Commerce; Cheryl Kuhn, President & CEO of the Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce; Laura Manion, President & CEO of the Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry; Laurie Ryan, President of the Exton Regional Chamber of Commerce; Katie Walker, President of the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce; Nicole Whitaker, Borough Manager for Malvern; Jeff Smith, Borough Manager for Downingtown; Corinne Badman, Downingtown Assistant Borough Manager; KS Bhaskar, Supervisor for Tredyffrin Township; James Logan, City Manager for Coatesville; Linda Lavender Norris, Coatesville City Council President; Carmen Green, Coatesville City Council Vice President; Tiniera Turner Green, Coatesville City Council Member; Rajesh Kumbhardare, Chair of the West Whiteland Board of Supervisors; and Brian Dunn, Vice Chair of the West Whiteland Board of Supervisors.
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April 28, 2025
West Chester, Pa (April 28, 2025) – Twenty-three students from the West Chester Area, Tredyffrin-Easttown, and Oxford Area School Districts recently got a firsthand look at what it’s like to work in the Pennsylvania Senate as part of state Senator Carolyn Comitta’s Student Advisory Council.
The council, now in its third year, brought together high school juniors from across Chester County over 11 weeks to learn about state government and share their views, interests, and perspectives. Each week they learned about the operations of Senator Comitta’s office including constituent services, the budget process, crafting legislation, public policy, media and communications, the regulatory process, event planning, and more.
“One of my favorite things about being a State Senator is the opportunity to talk and interact with our young people,” said Comitta, a former public-school teacher who serves on the Senate Education Committee. “Their passion and advocacy on these issues was inspiring and thought-provoking. And I learned so much by hearing their perspectives on current events and discussing their hopes and dreams for the future.”
This spring, the council culminated in each student pitching their ideas for legislation: from expanding voter education to enhancing the understanding of our legal system to waste composting programs in public schools, the students made presentations on a wide variety of topics.
In addition, students participated activities including touring the Pennsylvania State Capitol in Harrisburg, volunteering at the West Chester Food Cupboard, meeting with a leading lobbyist to learn about effective advocacy, participating in a Senate Mock Policy Hearing, and advocating for legislation that they believe Senator Comitta should co-sponsor.
Lily Chen, of Conestoga High School and the Design Editor of the Conestoga school newspaper, stated “The Council provided a rare opportunity to engage with state-level policy discussions and learn from public service professionals who are deeply committed to their work for the Commonwealth. I greatly appreciated the chance to collaborate with other driven students interested in public policy and gain real-world insight into diverse aspects of the state legislative process. This was an incredibly formative experience that affirmed my passion for public service and policy.”
Jonah Ullman, a Oxford Area High School student and President of the Class of 2026, said “Senator Comitta’s Student Advisory Council taught me a lot about politics at the state level, more than my government class ever could. It was an eye-opening experience. There is so much that goes into state government that I was previously unaware of, and I’m so glad that I participated.”
Each year, Senator Comitta hosts the Student Advisory Council from January to April with applications opening in November. For more information, reach out to: senator.comitta@pasenate.com.
April 23, 2025
WEST CHESTER, PA (April 23, 2025) – Improvements and upgrades are coming to the childcare and early learning facilities at the YMCA of Greater Brandywine (YGBW), thanks to new state funding secured by state Senator Carolyn Comitta.
The $50,000 grant awarded through the Pennsylvania Department of Education will support environmental upgrades at childcare and early learning classrooms at the Oscar Lasko YMCA in West Chester and the Upper Main Line YMCA in Berwyn.
“Having a strong and healthy start is important for every child. The YMCA of Greater Brandywine helps ensure that our young people are prepared for lifelong learning, opportunity, and success,” said Comitta, who serves on the Senate Education Committee. “I have personally seen the benefits of the YGBW’s programs for families across our community and I am proud to help this investment in childcare and early education.”
With the funding, YGBW will be able to increase the Keystone STARS rating at their facilities, a program of Pennsylvania’s Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) that assesses the quality of early learning programs in the Commonwealth.
“At YGBW, we are committed to excellence in every program we offer—especially in our Childcare and Early Learning programs,” said Bertram L. Lawson II, President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Brandywine. “This funding will empower our team to elevate our Keystone STARS ratings and ensure that every child in our community has access to safe, high-quality and enriching educational opportunities. We extend our deepest gratitude to Senator Carolyn Comitta for her support in securing this funding. Her dedication to advocating for our community’s youngest learners is truly commendable – and we appreciate her continued commitment to their success.”
Keystone STARS (Standards, Training/Professional Development, Assistance, Resources, and Supports) is a quality rating system that promotes quality improvement in early learning and development programs and school-age childcare. Early learning programs participating in Keystone STARS can earn a quality rating score from a STAR 1 to a STAR 4. At each level, programs must meet certain quality standards in four key areas: staff education, learning environment, leadership/management, and family/community partnerships
The YMCA of Greater Brandywine is the largest provider of licensed childcare in Chester County, providing care and early learning programming to more than 5,000 children each year.
To learn more about YGBW go to ymcagbw.org
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April 17, 2025
DOWNINGTOWN, PA (April 17, 2025) – To help seniors apply for or renew their Free SEPTA Senior Key Cards, state Senator Carolyn Comitta and state Representative Danielle Friel Otten are hosting a sign-up event at Downingtown Borough Hall on Thursday, May 15th from 10 a.m. to noon.
“Whether going to a doctor’s appointment, visiting loved ones, or taking a day trip, the SEPTA Senior Key Card helps our residents get where they need to go,” said Comitta. “I hope to see you at our sign-up event so you can take advantage of this great program available to seniors in our community.”
The SEPTA Senior Key card is available for free to all seniors aged 65 and older. With the card, seniors can ride all SEPTA buses, trolleys, subways, and regional rail lines for free within Pennsylvania. Trains to and from New Jersey and Delaware using the senior card are charged at half fare. SEPTA’s Senior Free Ride Program is funded by the Pennsylvania Lottery.
“SEPTA Senior Key Cards are a lifeline for many seniors and are without a doubt one of the most popular services our district office provides,” Otten said. “Seniors rely on public transit for transportation to jobs, medical appointments, and cultural and sporting events in the city and along the Main Line. I look forward to hosting this event with Senator Comitta, and I encourage all seniors to stop by and take advantage of this valuable free service.”
To apply, seniors must bring a form of identification that verifies their age. This includes a driver’s license, photo identification card, birth certificate, passport, or Social Security statement of age.
Downingtown Borough Hall is located at 4 West Lancaster Avenue.
Understanding the value of public transit for our residents and our regional economy, both Comitta and Otten support the Governor’s budget proposal for state funding to support SEPTA’s operations and prevent service cuts to the Paoli-Thorndale Train line and bus routes servicing Chester County.
For more information on the SEPTA Senior Key Card, visit septa.org/senior or contact Senator Comitta’s office at 610-692-2112 or Representative Otten’s office at 484-200-8259.
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April 17, 2025
BERWYN, PA (April 16, 2025) – Chester County’s third annual Earth Day Festival features a variety of family-friendly activities on Saturday, April 26 – thanks to the efforts of State Senator Carolyn Comitta and the YMCA of Greater Brandywine. All in the community are invited to enjoy a day of fun at the Upper Main Line YMCA (UMLY) in celebration of Earth Day.
Hosted on the 54-acre campus of UMLY, the festival includes a variety of free activities from 10 am to 1 pm such as canoeing, tree-planting, woodworking and much more. The event concludes with a keynote presentation from renown author, entomologist and University of Delaware professor, Dr. Doug Tallamy. Guests should register to attend Tallamy’s keynote, which will be held from 1:30 – 2:30 PM and costs $10 per person.
Committing to a Bright Future
“The Earth Day Festival is a tradition in Chester County. It’s an event that I, along with so many children, families, and organizations, look forward to each year,” shares State Senator Carolyn Comitta. “I ran for office to secure a cleaner, brighter future for all Pennsylvanians – and being good stewards of our natural resources is a big part of fulfilling that promise. I am proud to join team YGBW again this year – and hope you will join us for a fun and meaningful event.”
Comitta serves as co-chair of the Pennsylvania Climate Caucus and is the minority chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee. She is dedicated to protecting our land, air, and water throughout Chester County. “We are grateful to have support from Senator Comitta as we understand that ensuring the health of our environment is key to building a strong, healthy community where all can thrive,” says Brian Raicich, Executive Director of UMLY. “And we are especially proud to host this important event on our 54-acre campus, which includes an Environmental & STEM Education Complex, farm animals, nature trails, the headwaters of Darby Creek and Pennsylvania’s first conservation easement.” Shreiner Tree Care serves as the title sponsor for the event and has served as the arborist for UMLY’s campus and Cassatt Preserve for more than 30 years. The team from Shreiner will be leading tree-planting during the festival. Guests are encouraged to bring a shovel and join in.
In addition to tree-planting, the event will feature more than 30 vendors who are committed to ensuring a sustainable future in Chester County, including the Department of Environmental Protection, regional non-profits such as Natural Lands, French & Pickering Creek Trust, and Brandywine Conservancy, and local businesses such as Mother Compost and Green Mountain Energy.
Biodiversity in your Own Backyard with Dr. Doug Tallamy
Renown author, entomologist and University of Delaware professor, Dr. Doug Tallamy, closes out the Earth Day Festival with a keynote presentation from 1:30 – 2:30 PM. In his talk, “Homegrown National Parks” Tallamy discusses how you can increase biodiversity with simple changes to what you plant in your yard. Tallamy is widely recognized for his groundbreaking research and as the author of several influential books, including “Nature’s Best Hope: A New Approach to Conservation That Starts in Your Yard” and “Bringing Nature Home: How Native Plants Sustain Wildlife in Our Gardens”. In addition to his academic and literary contributions, Tallamy is co-founder of the Homegrown National Park initiative. He inspires all to take part in conservation efforts and champions practical approaches to restore biodiversity and combat the decline of native wildlife populations.
Healthy Kids Need a Healthy Home
Chester County’s Earth Day Festival will be held in conjunction with the YMCA’s national Healthy Kids Day event which inspires kids and families to focus on healthy habits throughout the summer and beyond. Together, the events highlight the connection between environmental health and public health, encouraging habits such as enjoying and exploring nature, spending time away from devices and connecting with family and friends.
Both events are open to the community and free to attend. Activities include bird-house building, canoeing, art, tree-planting, stream studies, face painting and live music performed by the Itchy Dog Singers.
To learn more about the Earth Day Festival: https://ymcagbw.org/events/community-events/upper-main-line-ymca/chester-county-earth-day-festival
To register for Dr. Tallamy’s Presentation: https://ymcagbw.org/events/homegrown-national-park
To learn more about Senator Comitta’s Work in the Pennsylvania Legislature: https://www.pasenatorcomitta.com
To learn more about Environmental Education at YGBW: https://ymcagbw.org/nature-and-environmental-education-programs-ymca
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April 11, 2025
WEST CHESTER, PA (April 11, 2025) – State Senator Carolyn Comitta issued the following statement on SEPTA’s impending budget crisis, proposed fare hikes and services cuts, and the need for state investment in public transit.
“Chester County residents depend on SEPTA and their bus and train routes to get to work or school, go to their doctors’ appointments, visit their loved ones, and get to wherever they need to go. These bus and train routes are not dispensable but are an essential service for our communities and our economy.
As SEPTA faces a budget shortfall following the pandemic and a lack of sufficient state funding, the system may soon be forced to raise fares and completely shutter the Paoli-Thorndale regional rail service, which runs right through the heart of Chester County and into Center City, plus numerous bus lines that connect our communities.
This will leave our residents stranded, keep our students and employees at home, and bring our local economy to a screeching halt.
SEPTA is essential and we must ensure the transportation system our residents rely on is properly funded and running efficiently, so we can get to work, go to school, and keep our economy moving.
I will continue to stand in strong support of a well-rounded and complete transportation system and that includes a strong and well-funded SEPTA. I call on the Senate majority to properly fund our public transit systems here in Chester County and across Pennsylvania.”
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April 10, 2025
West Chester, Pa (April 8, 2025) The LGBT Equality Alliance of Chester County will offer mental health programs, workshops, and support groups thanks to a state investment secured by state Senator Carolyn Comitta.
The Equality Alliance, a nonprofit organization, will use the $50,000 in funding to support programs that address the unique mental health challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community, promoting resilience, self-acceptance, and a sense of belonging.
The majority of the grant money will go towards a new program, the Mental Health Shortfall Fund. This fund will help cover the costs for members of the LGBTQ+ community who need mental health care services but cannot afford the premiums. The grant, which was secured through the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, will also allow The Equality Alliance to offer mental health support groups in other parts of Chester County, beyond the group that is already hosted in its Phoenixville office.
“At a time when members of the LGBTQ+ community are facing increasing threats, intolerance, and discrimination in our communities, state legislatures, and court system, I hope these programs will help people heal and reinforce the message that ‘you are here, you are welcome, and you are valued Chester Countians and Pennsylvanians,” said Comitta, who serves on the Senate LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus.
“The Equality Alliance could not be more thankful to Senator Comitta and her office for fighting for this grant. Proper mental health care is crucially important for the LGBTQ+ community, and this grant will help us expand and enhance our mental health programming in Chester County,” said Carrie Stare, Board President.
“The Equality Alliance is honored to receive this grant, which will enable us to expand our support groups and resources for LGBTQ+ individuals in Chester County. With LGBTQ+ individuals facing suicide rates 3 to 6 times higher than the general population, these initiatives will provide crucial support by fostering community, reducing isolation, and connecting individuals to life-saving resources,” said Cailey Crusemire, Board Member.
As a member of West Chester Borough Council in 2006, Comitta helped lead the effort to make West Chester the first municipality in Chester County — and among the first in the Commonwealth — to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, housing, and public accommodations.
In the state senate, Comitta continues to be a strong supporter and vocal advocate for legislation to ensure that all LGBTQ+ Pennsylvanians are treated with respect, fairness, and equal rights under the law. That includes measures to protect LGBTQ students from discrimination, protect LGBTQ parents from discrimination in the foster care system, update our laws to reflect the rights of same-sex couples to marry, and more.
Founded in 2015, LGBT Equality Alliance of Chester County fosters inclusivity, well being, and social justice for the LGBTQ+ community through advocacy and provision of safe, supportive spaces. For more information on LGBT Equality Alliance of Chester County, visit www.lgbteachesco.org.
April 9, 2025
West Chester, Pa (April 9, 2025) – Oxford Mainstreet, Inc. was awarded $30,000 in state funding to develop a comprehensive plan of targeted investment, development, design, and implementation strategies through the Pennsylvania Main Street Matters program.
“As a former Mayor, I know just how important our town centers are in economic development, supporting small businesses, attracting visitors, and creating the unique sense of place that makes our Chester County communities so special,” said Comitta. “Oxford has done a tremendous job recovering from a devastating fire in its downtown less than two years ago. I applaud and support OMI for pursuing Main Street designation.”
The program, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), supports community revitalization efforts in planning, business support, aesthetic improvements, and safety and security enhancements.
Oxford Mainstreet (OMI) was awarded the funding to develop a Strategic Plan for Main Street Designation. Designation is an opportunity for targeted investment and development including the identification of specific needs for investment and/or development and the design and implementation of a strategy to address those needs, according to DCED.
“Oxford Mainstreet has long been dedicated to revitalizing and enhancing downtown Oxford for residents, visitors, and businesses alike. We are so grateful to receive this funding which will allow us to develop a comprehensive strategic plan that reflects the immediate needs and future goals of our community. OMI is focused on the future in the aftermath of the September 2023 fire and we couldn’t be more proud of the work being done along with our community partners to make Oxford even more amazing,” said Leslie Sleesman, OMI Board Chair.
OMI was one of 81 community projects across the Commonwealth awarded more than $20 million in total state funding through the Main Street Matters Program.
“Every community in our Commonwealth ― rural, urban, or suburban ― has a Main Street, and I’ve seen firsthand how critical they are to local economies.” said Governor Josh Shapiro. “Our Main Streets are the beating hearts of our communities ― and the economic strength of our towns and cities is directly tied to the success of small businesses and our Main Streets. That’s why my Administration has made investing in our Main Streets a priority, and today we’re delivering a historic amount of support for dozens of projects across the Commonwealth. Every Main Street matters ― and I’ll continue bringing people together to invest in and improve our communities.”
Main Street Matters is a key part of the Shapiro Administration’s 10-year Economic Development Strategy. DCED received more than 200 applications requesting over $43 million through the Main Street Matters Program, underscoring the demand for strategic investments in Main Streets across Pennsylvania.
“Governor Shapiro created the Main Street Matters program because he understands that main streets are the heartbeat of their communities ― helping to retain and attract residents, businesses, and visitors,” said DCED Secretary Siger. “This program is an exciting funding tool that will help main streets and downtowns across our Commonwealth achieve their full potential as economic hubs. The Shapiro Administration is focused on making these types of bold, meaningful investments to provide a higher quality of life for Pennsylvanians as well as to our growing businesses and thriving communities.”
In addition, Senator Comitta supports the governor’s plan calling for an additional $20 million for the Main Street Matters program in this year’s state budget.
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March 21, 2025
West Chester, Pa (March 21, 2025) – Expectant mothers and families with babies and young children are invited to join state Senator Carolyn Comitta and the Maternal and Child Health Consortium of Chester County (MCHC) for their second annual Community Baby Shower on Friday, April 11 from 3:30-5:30 p.m. at the Gordon Early Literacy Center in Coatesville.
The free event will help connect children, parents, and guardians with over 25 community organizations and the resources available to Chester County families.
“As a mother and grandmother, I know that navigating the challenges of parenthood is not always easy. Thankfully, our region is home to many community partners dedicated to supporting families and ensuring healthy, successful outcomes for children and parents,” said Comitta. “I encourage all expecting mothers, parents of young children, or those thinking about starting a family to join us.”
The event will feature free activities for children and raffle prizes, as well as the distribution of free diapers and other baby supplies collected by the Maternal and Child Health Consortium.
“Maternal and Child Health Consortium (MCHC) is proud to partner with Senator Comitta’s office to host the second annual Community Baby Shower, reinforcing our commitment to supporting families in Chester County. For over 33 years, MCHC has connected parents with vital resources to help them start healthy, stay healthy, and succeed in school,” said Milena Lanz, Executive Director of MCHC.
“Recognizing the disparities in maternal and infant health in our county, we are expanding our home visiting services countywide to include a new Doula Initiative. Research shows that doula support improves birth outcomes, reduces complications, and strengthens maternal well-being. Through this initiative as part of our Family Center program, we aim to ensure that every mother and baby in our community has access to the care and advocacy they deserve,” she added.
The event coincides with the start of Black Maternal Health Week, a national week of action to raise awareness and work to address the health disparities faced by pregnant women and mothers in communities of color.
Comitta, who serves on the Pennsylvania Women’s Health Caucus and the Black Maternal Health Caucus, remains a strong supporter of protecting and investing in maternal health, reproductive health, and the overall health, well-being, and growth of children and young people in the Commonwealth.
In the Senate, she worked to expand Medicare coverage for mothers to one year postpartum, helped pass legislation to extend coverage to doula services, voted for a new law to help moms with postpartum depression, secured state funding for MCHC’s doula program, supports efforts to modernize regulations governing midwives, and remains dedicated to ending racial disparities in maternal healthcare.
The Gordon Early Literacy Center is located at 351 Kersey Street, directly across from Ash Park in Coatesville.
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