Grants aim to support innovative strategies in postpartum care and maternal mental health in underserved and vulnerable communities

LONG ISLAND CITY, N.Y., Aug. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Fidelis Care, a statewide health plan with more than 2.4 million members in New York State and a Centene Corporation company, has awarded $130,000 in maternal health grants to seven healthcare providers and community-based organizations statewide. The grants aim to fund programs that support innovative strategies in postpartum care and maternal mental health in underserved and vulnerable communities.

"Postpartum care and maternal mental health are critical, yet often overlooked parts of a mother's journey," said Fidelis Care Chief Medical Officer Dr. Vincent Marchello. "We congratulate this year's grant recipients for their dedication to supporting mothers during this pivotal time. These awards mark the beginning of a meaningful partnership that will help expand access to care, improve outcomes, and uplift families across our communities."

The 2025 Fidelis Care maternal health grant recipients are:

• Divine Harlem, New York City
• Fika Midwifery, Buffalo
• Healthy People Worldwide, Brooklyn
• Mothers and Babies Perinatal Network, Johnson City
• Open Door Family Medical Center, Tarrytown
• The Alex House Project, Brooklyn
• Integrated Community Alternatives Network, Utica

The Alex House Project provides parental training, professional job development, and community support for at-risk pregnant women and inexperienced young parents under age 25 in New York City's five boroughs.

"The Alex House Project is delighted to partner with Fidelis Care to further our work for vulnerable young families," said Alex House Project Founding Executive Director Samora Coles. "We are grateful to expand our Parenting Journey and Job Readiness Experience programs with the generous support of Fidelis Care, and proud to share this humanizing legacy with them. Investing in the lives of young parents is a gift, and every day we are privileged to witness the life-changing impact our programming has at the most crucial, formative stage in every young family's life."

Another grant recipient, Mothers and Babies Perinatal Network, offers education and support to pregnant women and newly parenting families by helping them connect with medical care, mental health services, basic needs, and other assistance that provides support during pregnancy and in the postpartum period. The Fidelis Care grant funds a depression and anxiety screening program to determine further assessment and treatment for new mothers.

Mothers and Babies Perinatal Network Deputy Director Christie Finch said, "Thank you to Fidelis Care for this amazing partnership. We are honored by this grant to support new mothers and their families at this critical time in their parenting journey. We are grateful that Fidelis Care prioritizes maternal health and understands the importance of healthy mothers and babies in our community. We will work together to provide the care and support that new moms and their babies need and deserve, ensuring that they do not have to navigate support systems alone."

Postpartum care and maternal mental health are critical components of long-term health and well-being for new mothers and their families. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) says mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety, are among the most common complications of pregnancy, affecting an estimated one in five individuals annually in the United States. Postpartum care attendance is inconsistent, with mean attendance rates in the U.S. around 72%, and even lower among the most vulnerable populations, such as those served by Federally Qualified Health Centers, where non-attendance can reach 43%. Access to health insurance has been associated with higher postpartum visit attendance, which is essential for screening and addressing both physical and mental health needs after childbirth. 

About Fidelis Care
Fidelis Care is a mission-driven health plan offering quality, affordable coverage for children and adults of all ages and at all stages of life. With more than 2.4 million members statewide, Fidelis Care believes that all New Yorkers should have access to affordable, quality health insurance. Follow us on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/fidelis-care, Instagram at @fideliscare,
and on Facebook at facebook.com/fideliscare. For more information, call Fidelis Care at
1-888-FIDELIS (1-888-343-3547) or visit fideliscare.org.

Media Contact
MediaInquiries@fideliscare.org

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SOURCE Fidelis Care