FULTON – Fidelis Care recently awarded $158,000 in grants to nine not-for-profit organizations that support maternal health and wellness. The grants will assist community-based organizations that play a vital role in ensuring safe pregnancies and healthy babies – particularly for underserved, lower-income women and their families across New York.
Oswego County Opportunities (OCO) OPTIONS program, which provides new and expecting parents with much needed support as they journey through pregnancy and parenting, was one those nine organizations and received a grant for $20,000.
With a focus on the health and well-being of parents and their babies, OPTIONS offers one-on-one sessions on pregnancy and early parenting; information on accessing healthcare; and assists families with connecting to community resources. Thanks to the grant from Fidelis Care, OPTIONS, in collaboration with OCO’s Nutrition Services, is now able to provide new mothers with healthy, nutritious meals as well as supplies and education needed for a successful start to parenthood.
“This is an exciting opportunity for us,” said OCO Coordinator of Health Access Services Stacie France. “We are thrilled to have been awarded this grant and look forward to addressing the needs of new mothers who are engaged with OPTIONS.”
With food insecurity an issue in Oswego County, the Fidelis Care grant will assist OPTIONS in helping families get a healthy start by providing nutritious meals for up to the first four weeks of parenthood. The grant will also provide funding for post-partum materials, breastfeeding education and supplies, and other resources to improve the overall health and well-being of the families.
“Fidelis Care understands the impact that maternal health has on the health of babies and entire families. That’s why we’re proud to offer grants designed to enable community-based organizations focused on maternal health to reach more mothers in need,” said Fidelis Care CEO Thomas Halloran. “These grants will also play a vital role in ensuring mothers have the care, services, and resources they need – from quality and accessible prenatal care to important supplies such as car seats, formula, and diapers.”
Through a partnership with OCO Nutrition Services, new mothers in the OPTIONS program will receive home delivered meals five days a week at no charge for up to four weeks. Additional items will be provided as needed through an OPTIONS community health worker.
“This is a one of a kind opportunity to meet the complex needs of new families and address the postpartum period of healing and wellbeing,” said France. “With the support of the community health worker, and the materials that Fidelis Care is funding, our OPTIONS program is able to provide comprehensive assistance to ensure new moms and their babies have the resources they need for early parenthood.”
“Fidelis Care is committed to ensuring expectant mothers get the care, services, and resources they need to have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby,” added Dr. Vincent Marchello, Fidelis Care Chief Medical Officer. “We are pleased to support Oswego County Opportunities and help them improve maternal health across their communities.”
For more information about engaging with OCO’s OPTIONS program contact Program Manager Kathy Corey at 315- 34200888 ext. 6 or visit oco.org.
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