Leaders from Temple Health joined elected officials and community partners on April 10 to celebrate a dual milestone at Temple Women & Families Hospital: the announcement of more than $890,000 in state funding for critical upgrades to emergency power systems and the unveiling of a new Community Care Kiosk, developed by the Maternity Care Coalition, which is designed to expand access to essential resources for families.
“These are the kinds of investments that are not always visible, but which are absolutely essential—particularly at a facility like this one, where families rely on us in such important moments,” said Abhi Rastogi, President & CEO of Temple Health in his remarks. “Access to care must be matched by reliability, resilience, and trust.”
Sharon Kurfuerst, Executive Director of Temple Health Women & Families Hospital, opened the program by emphasizing the hospital’s founding mission: “providing accessible, compassionate, and equitable care for women, infants, and families designed to improve maternal and child health outcomes.” She noted that the hospital’s success is rooted in sustained collaboration, calling the day’s recognition “a reflection of the partnerships that are helping move our mission forward—from investments in critical infrastructure to enhancing access to critical health resources.”
The event featured remarks from State Senator Christine Tartaglione and State Representative Jason Dawkins, whose advocacy helped secure the Commonwealth funding. Maryanne Fray, President and CEO of the Maternity Care Coalition also spoke about their partnership with Temple Health to advance maternal and child health across the region.
The state funding—totaling just over $890,000—will support upgrades to the hospital’s emergency systems and power infrastructure. Rastogi credited Senator Tartaglione and Representative Dawkins for their leadership and ongoing commitment to community health, adding that their support reflects “a clear understanding” of the infrastructure needed to sustain safe, reliable care.
The event also highlighted the role of community-based partnerships in extending care beyond hospital walls. The unveiling of the Community Care Kiosk—deployed in partnership with the Maternity Care Coalition—marks a new effort to connect patients and community members with essential supplies and support services.
“At Temple Health, we believe in meeting people where they are,” Rastogi said. “When partnerships like these come together, we can do more than deliver care—we can remove barriers, build trust, and improve outcomes.”
Kurfuerst echoed that sentiment in introducing the kiosk initiative, describing it as part of a broader strategy to reduce barriers to care and improve access to resources in the surrounding community.
The Community Care Kiosk—which provides free essential items such as diapers, wipes and women's hygiene products—is the first of its kind in Philadelphia for the Maternity Care Coalition and is expected to serve as a model for future collaborations aimed at addressing gaps in maternal and child health services.
Together, the infrastructure investment and the launch of the kiosk reflect a shared commitment among healthcare leaders, policymakers, and community organizations to strengthen care delivery and improve outcomes for women and families across Philadelphia.