Fidelis Care Awards $130,000 in Maternal Health Grants Across New York
Funding Focused on Postpartum Care and Maternal Mental Health
Fidelis Care, a statewide health plan serving more than 2.4 million members in New York, has awarded $130,000 in maternal health grants to seven providers and organizations. The funding is aimed at supporting programs that improve postpartum care and maternal mental health, with a particular focus on underserved and vulnerable communities across the state.
Leadership Perspective
“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. He added that the grants represent an important partnership to expand access, improve outcomes, and uplift families. The investment highlights a growing recognition that supporting mothers during and after pregnancy directly impacts community health as a whole.
Grant Recipients
The 2025 Fidelis Care maternal health grant recipients include:
- 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
Examples of Impact
The Alex House Project offers parental training, professional development, and community support for at-risk pregnant women and inexperienced young parents under age 25 across New York City’s five boroughs. Founder Samora Coles welcomed the grant, noting it will expand their Parenting Journey and Job Readiness Experience programs. “Investing in the lives of young parents is a gift,” Coles said. “Every day we are privileged to witness the life-changing impact our programming has at the most formative stage in a young family’s life.”
In Johnson City, the Mothers and Babies Perinatal Network provides education and support to pregnant women and new parents, helping connect them with health care, mental health services, and other vital assistance. With the Fidelis Care grant, the organization will expand its depression and anxiety screening program for new mothers. “We are honored by this grant to support new mothers and their families at this critical time,” said Deputy Director Christie Finch. “We will work together to provide the care and support that new moms and their babies need and deserve.”
Why It Matters
Postpartum care and maternal mental health have long been under-addressed. National data underscores the need: the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration reports that one in five pregnancies in the United States is complicated by mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. Attendance at postpartum visits remains inconsistent, averaging 72% nationally, and dropping to 57% or lower in vulnerable populations. Access to insurance has been shown to improve attendance, which directly impacts the ability to screen and address both physical and mental health needs after childbirth.
Broader Context
By awarding these grants, Fidelis Care is spotlighting an area of health care that carries long-term consequences for both mothers and infants. Postpartum visits not only address physical recovery but also provide opportunities for early intervention in mental health. For underserved communities—where attendance rates are lowest—initiatives like these can be the difference between stability and long-term struggle.
A Step Toward Health Equity
The decision to allocate resources across multiple regions and organizations reflects a commitment to community-based solutions. By combining clinical care with support services, these grants are designed to address gaps that traditional systems often overlook. For many mothers, this support could mean access to care that would otherwise be out of reach.
Closing Thoughts
Fidelis Care’s $130,000 investment may not solve every challenge in maternal health, but it sends a clear signal: postpartum care and maternal mental health deserve attention, funding, and dedicated programming. The organizations receiving these grants are positioned to make a tangible impact in their communities, offering education, screening, and support where it is most needed. As health care costs rise and families face increasing pressure, targeted initiatives like these represent an important step toward healthier outcomes for mothers and children across New York State.