2023-24 Fidelis Care Maternal Health Grant Program Recipients

In its inaugural round of funding in 2023-24, Fidelis Care gave $158,000 in maternal health grants to nine not-for-profit groups that focus on helping moms stay healthy. Here’s a recap of how those grants made a difference for 1,320 expectant and new mothers and their babies:

Life of Hope, Brooklyn

Funds from the Fidelis Care Maternal Health Program will be used to support the Oswego County Opportunities OPTIONS program. This program has provided services to Oswego County mothers and their children for over 35 years. OPTIONS serves about 120 people who enter the program pregnant or shortly after giving birth, through ongoing care management services or short-term crisis intervention. 42% of participants continued breastfeeding for at least six months, exceeding the national average of 25%.

Project Stork is a community-based non-profit organization supporting the maternal mental health and wellness of mothers of infants and toddlers. This support is provided by three program aides trained in maternal mental health from Postpartum Support International. Through this work, mothers complete screenings and connect with outside referrals as needed. Participants also get behavioral health support and monthly supplemental benefits. During the grant period, 88% of participants completed perinatal depression screening two or more times.

The North Country Prenatal/Perinatal Council works hard to make sure moms and families stay healthy. They team up with the community to find out what services are needed and help mothers and families get the care they need. The Fidelis Care grant supported moms, babies, and families in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence Counties who may not have easy access to healthcare. During the grant period, only five percent of participants had low birthweight babies, compared to an 8.6% statewide average.