Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania adds perinatal doulas to its Medicaid program
Professionals and maternal health advocates hope this will expand access to doula services for people who may not otherwise be able to afford them out-of-pocket, and ultimately help close racial disparities in maternal and infant outcomes.
“People were already afraid, specifically Black birthing people, were afraid of giving birth,” said Gerria Coffee, president of the Pennsylvania Doula Commission. “Then the pandemic really expanded that fear and it really exposed gaps in access to support.”
Doulas who have or will get state certification in perinatal care can enroll in Medicaid to partner with managed care organizations that oversee and administer Medicaid health insurance in local communities.
The managed care organizations will pay doulas for in-network services that they provide as members of a maternity care team or service, according to a bulletin from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.
Coffee said the new partnership pathway is still in preliminary stages, so exact details on billing and payment structures will be explained in upcoming training sessions.
“This is completely new,” she said. “The majority of us have never done this before, and so we want to make sure that we have all the information available.”
Reimbursement is an important factor in the equation, Coffee said, because doulas need to know that their work is being valued for the time and expertise it takes to provide these services.
Hedway has been working full time as a doula and lactation consultant since last year. Making sure she’s able to meet demand in her community and make enough money has been difficult, she said.
“I quickly found out it is not the most sustainable thing, and it should be,” Hedway said.
Hedway said the new opportunity with the state’s Medicaid program could provide some financial stability or supplementation for doulas like herself.
While many remain optimistic about the new opportunity, Coffee said a lot of doulas still have some reservations about what the partnerships will entail and how receptive medical providers will be in working with doulas on these care teams.
It won’t be for everyone, Coffee said. For those who do participate, she hopes it leads to better support for both doulas and the communities they serve.
Food safety tips and tools for cooking at home
Time and temperature are the most important factors to keep in mind when it comes to food safety.
Problem Solved
These establishments in Monroe County were inspected between June 8 and 14, according to Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture records.
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture provides this disclosure: “Please remember that any inspection is a ‘snapshot’ of the day and time of the inspection. An inspection conducted on any given day may not be representative of the overall, long-term cleanliness of an establishment. Also, at the time of the inspection, violations are recorded but are often corrected on site prior to the inspector leaving the establishment.”
Out of compliance
Log Cabin Bar & Grill: 1000 Premium Outlets Drive, Suite G2, Tannersville
Inspected June 8. Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. Violations: 3
Inspector observed the facility did not have the original certificate for the certified food employee posted in public view; reach-in cooler behind bar at an ambient temperature of 51 degrees, rather than 41 (unplugged); and horseradish and various juices held at an internal temperature of 45 to 46 degrees rather than 41 or below as required (products discarded and cooler unplugged).
Follow-up inspection after being in compliance with five violations on June 1.
1836 Saloon: 2605 Milford Road, East Stroudsburg
Inspected June 8. Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. Violations: 12
Inspector determined the person in charge did not demonstrate adequate knowledge of food safety.
Inspector observed no available sanitizer test strips or test kit to determine appropriate sanitizer concentration; onions stored directly on the floor in kitchen area, rather than 6 inches off the floor as required; refrigerated time/temperature control for safety food held for more than 24 hours was not being date marked; raw chicken above ready-to-eat foods in a refrigerator; a reddish substance on the interior surfaces of the ice machine; and a buildup of old food and old food residue on the back rim of kitchen bain marie under the rotating hood.
Inspector observed mechanical low temperature dishwasher was inoperable; the facility did not have hot water and the water heater had to be reset (temperature of hot water was acceptable after reset); several rodent droppings in rear storage area; working containers in kitchen area, used for storing chemicals/cleaners taken from bulk supplies, were not marked with the common name of the chemical; and insecticides or rodenticides in the kitchen warewash area not labeled by the manufacturer as approved for use in a food facility.
Three Pierogi: 2942 Route 940, Pocono Summit
Inspected June 9. Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. Violations: 7
Inspector determined the person in charge did not demonstrate adequate knowledge of food safety.
Inspector observed multiple cooled foods were not reheated to 165 degrees within two hours for hot holding (reheated); prepackaged cookies and soups not labeled properly with the name of product, ingredient statement, net weight, distributed by statement and/or nutritional facts and not labeled to clearly indicate any “Big 9” allergen ingredients and/or the allergen warning statement; refrigerated time/temperature control for safety food held for more than 24 hours was not being date marked; kielbasa and pork held at 85 degrees, rather than 135 or above as required (brought up to 165); old food residue, dishes and utensils in the handwash sink, indicating uses other than handwashing; and handwash sink nozzle in food prep area was not flowing properly and sprayed water at chest level.
In compliance
Atomic Hogs BBQ (mobile food facility)
Inspected June 8. Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. Violations: 2
Inspector observed barbecue sauce cooling at room temperature and not cooled from 135 to 41 degrees within six hours after preparation (voluntarily discarded); and water line leaking near three-compartment sink.
Perla Coffee Co. & Eatery: 1656 Route 209, Brodheadsville
Inspected June 9. Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. Violations: 3
Inspector observed no available sanitizer test strips or test kit to determine appropriate sanitizer concentration; water heater was not producing enough hot water to supply sinks; and working containers in food prep area, used for storing cleaners taken from bulk supplies, were not marked with the common name of the chemical (corrected).
Mamma Maria’s: 934 Memorial Blvd., Tobyhanna
Inspected June 9. Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. Violations: 1
Inspector observed non-food contact surfaces not cleaned at a frequency to preclude accumulation of old food, dirt and soil on back rim of the bain marie under the rotating hood and shelf and cooking equipment above stove (cleaned).
Jimmy’s Ice Cream of Blakeslee: 3815 Route 115, Suite 103, Blakeslee
Inspected June 9. Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. Violations: 2
Inspector observed grab and go containers of ice cream were not labeled with product name, ingredients, or allergen information; and cartons of ice cream mix delivered to facility frozen and held more than 24 hours were not being marked with date thawed and opened.
Dunkin’: 118 Route 209, Regency Plaza Suite 15, Brodheadsville
Inspected June 9. Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. Violations: 1
Inspector observed an insect control device in food prep area with potential to contaminate food, equipment and/or utensils.
Corner Food Mart: 1064 Scenic Drive, Kunkletown
Inspected June 9. Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. Violations: 7
Inspector observed a pint of half and half for sale past expired sell by date of May 31 (removed from sale); refrigerated time/temperature control for safety food held more than 24 hours was not being marked with the date it was opened (person in charge updated records); common bowl stored in bulk sugar with no handle to keep above the top of the food and the container (removed); tuna salad dated May 30 and potato salad dated May 20 in deli display cooler date-marked and beyond the seven-day use or sell by date (voluntarily discarded); thermometer for ensuring proper temperature of equipment was not available in reach-in cooler behind deli counter; women’s toilet room was not provided with a covered waste receptacle for sanitary napkins; and the facility did not have the original certificate for the certified food employee posted in public view.
China King: 3265 Route 115, Effort
Inspected June 9. Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. Violations: 5
Inspector observed time in lieu of temperature being used to control ready-to-eat potentially hazardous food, crab Rangoon, without written documentation to verify disposition of food; raw chicken stored over cooked wontons in the walk-in cooler (wontons moved); water heater not producing enough hot water to supply three-compartment sink (heater adjusted and sink water temperature reached 111 degrees); bulk rice and sugar storage containers not labeled with the common name of the food; and common bowls in various food products used as food dispensing utensil with no handle to keep stored above the top of the food and the container (bowls removed).
Jen’s Roti Shop and Caribbean Cuisine: 694 Milford Road, East Stroudsburg
Inspected June 11. Jurisdiction: East Stroudsburg Borough. Violations: 2
Inspector observed posted food employee certification was expired; and owner’s posted certificate was expired.
Follow-up inspection after being out of compliance with 11 violations on May 21.
El Merengue Restaurant: 348 N. 9th St., Stroudsburg
Inspected June 12. Jurisdiction: Stroudsburg Borough. Violations: 3
Inspector observed thermometers for ensuring proper temperatures of food were not available or readily accessible to staff; fan cover in walk-in cooler had buildup of dirt; and fried pork was held at 122.2 degrees, rather than 135 or above as required (reheated and returned to steam table at 180.1 degrees).
Baja Smoothies 04 (temporary food facility)
Inspected June 12. Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. Violations: 2
Inspector observed water used for warewash and handwash not replenished at a frequency to maintain required hot water temperatures; and no chlorine sanitizer test strips available to determine appropriate sanitizer concentration.
Baja Smoothies 03 (temporary food facility)
Inspected June 12. Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. Violations: 2
Inspector observed water used for warewash not replenished at a frequency to maintain required hot water temperatures; and no chlorine sanitizer test strips available to determine appropriate sanitizer concentration.
Baja Smoothies 02 (temporary food facility)
Inspected June 12. Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. Violations: 2
Inspector observed no chlorine sanitizer test strips available to determine appropriate sanitizer concentration; and water used for warewash and handwash not replenished at a frequency to maintain required hot water temperatures.
Baja Smoothies 01 (temporary food facility)
Inspected June 12. Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. Violations: 1
Inspector observed no chlorine sanitizer test strips available to determine appropriate sanitizer concentration.
Zero violations
Pocono Vacation Park: 110 Arnie Way, Stroudsburg; June 8; Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.
Katrina’s Comfort Cuisine at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Smithfield: 139 Craigs Meadow Road, East Stroudsburg; opening inspection June 8; Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.
CTown Supermarket: 221 Skyline Drive, Suite 206, East Stroudsburg; June 8; Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.
Barley Creek (mobile food facility): June 8; Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.
RK Mobile Foods (mobile food facility): June 9; Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.
Paradise Hibachi Steakhouse: 6223 Paradise Valley Road, Cresco; June 9; Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. Follow-up inspection after being in compliance with two violations on June 2.
Big Creek Vineyard: 120 Keller Road, Kunkletown; June 9; Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.
Brooklyn Bagels & Deli: 405 Dogwood Road, Stroudsburg; opening inspection June 10; Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.
Sweetest Ride (mobile food facility): June 10; Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.
Pocono Ice Cream Trolley (mobile food facility): opening inspection June 10; Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.
DK’s Bakery and Food Truck (mobile food facility): June 10; Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.
Wingstop: 115 Brown St., Suite 102, East Stroudsburg; June 11; East Stroudsburg Borough.
Mountain Concessions (temporary food facility): June 11; Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.
Dale’s Concessions (mobile food facility): June 11; Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.
Dale’s Concessions (mobile food facility): June 11; Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.
S2 Pocono (temporary food facility): June 12; Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.
Coco Bongo (temporary food facility): June 12; Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.
ROSTRAVER TOWNSHIP, Pa. (KDKA/CNN NEWSOURCE/WKRC) — Residents of a western Pennsylvania neighborhood say they are battling a growing rat infestation that they believe originated from a condemned property where more than 100 pigs and other animals were recently removed.
Neighbors along Adams Drive in Rostraver Township say they have trapped and killed dozens of rats in recent weeks but continue to see large numbers of rodents around their homes.
Residents of a western Pennsylvania neighborhood say they are battling a growing rat infestation that they believe originated from a condemned property where more than 100 pigs and other animals were recently removed. (KDKA/CNN NEWSOURCE)
“The smell’s better, but the rats are worse,” resident Erin McCay told KDKA.
Earlier this month, authorities and animal rescue groups removed dogs, cats and more than 100 pigs from the property. Investigators described conditions at the site as deplorable.
According to Pittsburgh Squealers Rescue, 105 pigs were removed from the property, and several later died due to alleged neglect.
The property, which operated as an animal sanctuary, has since been condemned and listed for sale.
Township officials said they have contracted with a pest control company in an effort to eliminate the infestation. The one-year agreement is valued at approximately $12,000 and includes placing traps throughout the affected neighborhood.
Residents say the infestation has become a public safety concern, especially after dark.
“It’s definitely a public safety issue,” McCay said. “I want to feel safe being able to go in our yard and walk into the house.”
Township officials said they hope the rat population will begin to decline in the coming weeks.
Police said the investigation into conditions at the property remains active.
Pennsylvania
6abc Loves the Arts: Historical Society of Pennsylvania Presents “Paths to Independence: 1765 to 1787” through Sept. 18
PHLADELPHIA (WPVI) — The Historical Society of Pennsylvania is celebrating the semi-quincentennial with a new exhibition that shows off some very rare documents that date to the founding of our nation.
“Paths to Independence: 1765 to 1787” documents America’s origin story in two parts.
“The exhibition looks at the decade of controversies and conflicts leading up to the Declaration of Independence,” says David Brigham, Librarian & CEO of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. “Why did we feel as American colonies that we needed to separate from Great Britain?”
And then the 11 years between the signing of the Declaration and the adoption of the Constitution.
“The colonies have a lot of work to do,” says Brigham.
There are 141 pieces on view.
“They include original letters, journals, newspapers, broadsides,” he says. “And an incredible oil painting of a tea protest event that happened in Annapolis, Maryland in October of 1774.”
The artwork depicts the burning of the tea ship, Peggy Stewart.
“It’s been in a private home for generations,” he says. “This painting has not been seen in public possibly for 170 years.”
Items are on display in seven cases.
“This case focuses on the Stamp Act, which is passed in the spring of 1765 by Parliament,” he says.
There’s a section on rising tensions in the 1770s, which includes the Battle of Lexington and Concord and the Boston Tea Party.
You can see what’s known as the Dunlap Broadside.
“This is an original printing of the Declaration of Independence,” he says.
Just 200 were printed and only 26 survive.
Brigham says the one on display at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania is unique.
“We think it was Jefferson’s proof copy,” he says. “He would mark his speeches out with quotation marks where he intended to emphasize a phrase.”
Another case includes a first draft of the Articles of Confederation, which Brigham says is “the first attempt by Congress to write a Constitution of the United States.”
There is also a first newspaper printing of the Constitution of the United States. It was someone’s personal copy, complete with notes in the margin of the newspaper.
Brigham says people of different social statuses and religions found their way to independence “for different reasons.”
“Sometimes the story’s flattened out into ‘good guys’ and ‘bad guys.’ That’s way too simple,” he says. “There was a lot of complexity and even in that 20-year period a lot of attitudes changed.”
“Paths to Independence: 1765 to 1787” is on view through September 18 at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. This exhibition is free and open to the public during regular library hours, but visitors must check in at the front desk.
Historical Society of Pennsylvania’s library hours:
Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Wednesday from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Closed Saturday – Monday
Historical Society of Pennsylvania (HSP)
1300 Locust Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
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