Oswego Health & Community Partners Unveil “The Nest,” A New Lifeline for Mothers

OSWEGO – Oswego Health is proud to announce the launch of The Nest, a new, free support group designed to provide a safe, welcoming space for mothers navigating the emotional and physical challenges of early parenthood. Announced in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, the program underscores Oswego Health’s commitment to expanding access to behavioral health resources and addressing one of the community’s most pressing and often under-recognized needs—maternal mental health. The Nest will officially begin on May 18 at the Oswego YMCA, with an additional monthly session hosted at the Fulton YMCA, ensuring broader access for families across Oswego County.

The Nest was developed in direct response to findings from Oswego County’s 2025–2030 Community Health Assessment and Improvement Plan, which identified mental health as a top priority and highlighted growing concerns around maternal well-being. Local data revealed that a significant percentage of women experience symptoms of postpartum depression or anxiety, yet many do not receive the care or support they need. Contributing factors include limited access to specialized services, transportation challenges, childcare needs, and the persistent stigma surrounding mental health. The assessment also pointed to increasing rates of social isolation—particularly among new mothers—as well as a shortage of community-based, preventative support programs that intervene early and promote long-term wellness for both parent and child.

“Becoming a mother is a profound transition, but it can also be isolating and overwhelming,” said Daniel McManus, Therapy Supervisor at Oswego Health. “Through The Nest, we are creating a space where mothers feel seen, supported, and connected—without barriers. This program is about strengthening families and improving long-term health outcomes for both moms and babies. By launching this initiative during Mental Health Awareness Month, we are also helping to normalize these conversations and ensure mothers know they are not alone.”

Maternal mental health challenges—including postpartum depression and anxiety—affect a substantial number of women nationwide, with research indicating that as many as one in five mothers experience symptoms during the perinatal period. In Oswego County, the Community Health Assessment further emphasized that early identification and support are critical, as untreated maternal mental health conditions can impact not only the mother’s well-being, but also infant development, family stability, and long-term community health outcomes. The Nest was intentionally designed to reduce these risks by offering a supportive, low-barrier environment where mothers can connect with peers, share experiences, and access guidance from trained facilitators in a setting that prioritizes dignity, trust, and accessibility.

To ensure the program is truly accessible, The Nest removes many of the traditional barriers that prevent participation. The support group is offered free of charge and includes on-site childcare, transportation assistance, and light refreshments, allowing mothers to focus fully on their own well-being while feeling confident their children are cared for. Each session is guided by trained facilitators who foster open conversation, emotional support, and connection among participants, helping to reduce isolation and encourage early intervention when additional care may be needed.

The Nest is made possible through a strong and intentional collaboration among community partners who share a commitment to improving maternal and family health across Oswego County. Led by Oswego Health, the initiative brings together the Oswego County Health Department, Oswego County Opportunities, REACH CNY, and Oswego County OB-GYN to ensure mothers have access to coordinated, compassionate support at every stage of early parenthood. The Oswego YMCA and Fulton YMCA will serve as welcoming host sites for monthly sessions, helping to expand access and create trusted, community-based spaces where mothers can connect and feel supported.

In addition, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield has provided a $5,000 Health and Wellness Award to support the program. This funding will directly cover essential components such as refreshments, outreach and marketing efforts, and transportation assistance—further reinforcing the shared commitment among community partners to remove barriers and expand access to care.

“We are proud to collaborate on a program that removes barriers and creates meaningful connections for mothers in our community,” said Oswego YMCA Executive Director, Cheryl Baldwin of the Oswego YMCA. “The Y has always been a place for community, and The Nest is a natural extension of that mission.”

“At the Fulton YMCA, we see firsthand how important support systems are for families,” said Fulton YMCA Executive Director, Amy Loetta. “Hosting this group allows us to provide a welcoming space where mothers can connect and feel supported.”

“Supporting maternal health is essential to building stronger, healthier communities,” said Mark Muthumbi, regional president of Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. “We are proud to invest in The Nest and help remove barriers so mothers can access the support they need during such a critical time.”

The Nest will be held at the Oswego YMCA on the third Monday of each month at 4:00 p.m., beginning May 18, and at the Fulton YMCA on the first Friday of each month, beginning June 5 at 11:00 a.m. Mothers can register for this free support group by visiting oswegohealth.org/nest or by calling 315-349-5601.

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About Oswego Health
The mission of Oswego Health is to provide accessible, quality care and improve the health of residents throughout Central New York. As a nonprofit healthcare system established in 1881, Oswego Health is proud to be one of Oswego County’s largest private employers. More than 1,500 employees spread throughout its 25 campuses, work for the Oswego Health system, which includes the 132-bed community Oswego Hospital, a 32-bed psychiatric acute-care facility with multiple outpatient behavioral health service locations, The Manor at Seneca Hill, a 120-bed skilled nursing facility, and Springside at Seneca Hill, an independent retirement community.  The health system also operates Oswego Health Home Care, the only hospital-based certified home healthcare agency in the County, as well as two outpatient centers, including the Fulton Medical Center, offering urgent care, lab, medical imaging, physical therapy, and occupational health services, and the Central Square Medical Center, offering urgent care, lab, medical imaging, and physical therapy services. In addition, the healthcare system includes Oswego Health Medical Practice, a multi-specialty medical group offering the community accessible, high-quality healthcare. 100+ physicians and advanced practice providers offer an extensive array of services across CNY, including primary care and specialty care in orthopedics, cardiology, ENT, gastroenterology, breast care, general surgery, urology, pulmonology, and bariatrics; for more information about Oswego Health, visit www.oswegohealth.org.

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