County Executive Adam Bello announces major maternal health initiatives funded through the American Rescue Plan Act to support families across Monroe County

Monroe County, New York – A sweeping effort to improve maternal and infant health across Monroe County was officially unveiled this week, as local and federal leaders gathered to highlight a new set of community-based programs aimed at strengthening support for families before, during, and after childbirth. The initiative, backed by $4.6 million in funding through the American Rescue Plan Act, marks one of the county’s most significant investments in maternal health in recent years.

Standing alongside healthcare professionals, nonprofit leaders, and members of the county legislature, Adam Bello announced that the funding will support several programs designed to expand access to care, reduce disparities in maternal outcomes, and strengthen support systems for new parents throughout the region.

The funding itself was approved by the Monroe County Legislature last October and will support multiple organizations working directly with families across the county. The goal is straightforward but ambitious: reduce long-standing racial and economic gaps in prenatal and postpartum care while ensuring that more mothers and babies receive the services they need to thrive.

“This funding is about equity, access, and opportunity for every family in Monroe County regardless of zip code or background. By investing in the prenatal and postnatal health of our moms and babies, we are tackling disparities head-on and enabling better outcomes for our community,” said Monroe County Executive Adam Bello. “Thank you to Congressman Joe Morelle and Senators Gillibrand and Schumer for making this investment possible and for championing the health and well-being of those who need it most.”

The effort received strong backing from federal leaders, including Joe Morelle, who helped secure the federal funding that made the initiative possible.

“Every mother deserves access to quality care, and every child deserves a healthy start in life,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “I’m proud to have secured this federal funding to help ensure more mothers and babies in Monroe County get the support they need to thrive. I’m grateful to County Executive Bello for his leadership and continued prioritization of transformative projects like this one, and I look forward to our continued work together.”

Maternal health advocates say the funding arrives at a critical moment. While many communities have made progress in expanding access to healthcare, serious disparities remain — particularly for women of color and families living in lower-income neighborhoods.

Kirsten Gillibrand emphasized that maternal health inequities continue to affect communities across the state.

“Bringing a child into the world should be a safe, joyous, and celebratory occasion for every parent,” said U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. “Far too many mothers in Monroe County face systemic health disparities and financial instability related to their pregnancies. I’m proud to have secured this funding through the American Rescue Plan Act to support targeted community outreach programming that will help ensure that financing preventative research into maternal and infant mortality, expanding pre- and post-natal services, and strengthening long-term community-based support for low-income mothers, we’re creating a stronger, safer, and healthier community for all New Yorkers. I commend County Executive Adam Bello and the Monroe County Legislature for their efforts to invest in the health of mothers and children across the county.”

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Another key supporter of the initiative, Chuck Schumer, noted that the funding is designed to empower local leaders to expand proven programs that support families.

“Too many mothers and babies in Monroe County still face unacceptable disparities in care and health outcomes, especially in underserved communities,” said Senator Schumer. “That is why I fought to deliver funding through the American Rescue Plan so local leaders could invest in proven, community-based programs that expand access to prenatal and postpartum care, reduce disparities, and help give every child a healthier start in life. I commend County Executive Bello for his leadership in using ARPA funding to make strategic, community-driven investments that expand access to care, strengthen support for mothers and babies, and help close longstanding gaps in health outcomes across Monroe County. This $4.6 million investment will strengthen support for families across Monroe County and help build a healthier, more equitable future for mothers and babies alike.”

Local lawmakers echoed those concerns, noting that maternal mortality rates — particularly among Black mothers — remain alarmingly high in parts of the county.

“Monroe County continues to face the highest Black maternal mortality rates in New York State, at roughly 51 percent. That reality is deeply concerning and demands action,” said Legislature President Yversha Román. “These healthcare investments place a critical emphasis on prenatal and postpartum care, helping address our current healthcare crisis and ensuring every mother can navigate this journey into parenthood with support, dignity, and access to resources.”

Assistant Republican Leader Jackie Smith also voiced support for the new initiatives, emphasizing that investments in maternal health ultimately strengthen entire communities.

“Every mother and every baby in Monroe County deserves the strongest possible start, and that means making sure families can access the care and support they need during pregnancy and after birth,” said Assistant Republican Leader Jackie Smith. “Investing in maternal health is an investment in healthier families, stronger communities, and better outcomes for the next generation. I am proud to support efforts that expand access to care and help address the disparities that have affected too many mothers and infants in our community.”

The $4.6 million investment will support several programs that aim to reach families through a variety of services — including home visits, telehealth care, community outreach, data collection, and wellness support.

One of the centerpiece programs is the ROC Family Teleconnects initiative, led by the United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes. The program is built through collaboration between healthcare providers such as University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester Regional Health, and the Anthony L. Jordan Health Center.

The initiative connects families with trained professionals soon after a baby is born, offering both telehealth consultations and in-person visits designed to provide guidance and identify potential health concerns early.

Under the program, families whose children receive care through participating pediatric practices will be contacted within three weeks after birth. The goal is to provide early support during one of the most critical stages of infant development.

Jaime Saunders, President and CEO of United Way, described the program as a transformational approach to supporting families.

“Being a new mom or dad is one of life’s most meaningful – and most challenging – moments. For decades, our community has asked a simple question: what would it look like if every family in Monroe County had someone in their corner during those first critical months after bringing a baby home? ROC Family Teleconnects is that answer,” said Jaime Saunders, President and CEO of United Way. “This is a transformational effort – built through deep collaboration with URMC, Rochester Regional, Anthony Jordan, Accountable Health Partners, and United Way, and fueled by Monroe County and ARPA – to strengthen and expand home visitation. It is a bridge to families who have too often been missed, particularly in the critical postpartum period where we know challenges are greatest. By removing barriers and stigma and reaching families who may not qualify for traditional programs, we are ensuring more parents have the support they need – because when we show up for families early, we build stronger, healthier communities.”

Another program receiving funding is the Building Healthy Communities initiative, which expands an existing evidence-based program operated by the Mt. Hope Family Center.

The program will strengthen coordination between healthcare providers, social workers, pediatricians, and specialists involved in maternal care. The goal is to ensure that families — especially those from low-income backgrounds — receive consistent, high-quality care during pregnancy and the postpartum period.

“We are deeply grateful to County Executive Bello and Congressman Morelle for their leadership in securing this critical investment and for reinforcing our long-standing partnership with the County. This funding will allow Mt. Hope Family Center to take a universal, public health approach to maternal and infant health, offering high-quality services to thousands of families. With this support, we will also be able to launch a comprehensive evaluation of the impact of this County-wide effort. With data from the evaluation, we hope to demonstrate how continued investment ensures that more mothers, infants, and children have the opportunity to thrive and how our community can emerge safer and healthier,” said Jennie Noll, Ph.D., Executive Director, Mt. Hope Family Center.

Research and data collection will also play an important role in the initiative. A third program funded through the investment will focus on a large-scale maternal health survey conducted by researchers from the University of Rochester.

The initiative, called Mothers and Babies Health Survey 3.0, will gather information from families across the county to better understand infant feeding practices and maternal health outcomes.

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“The ARPA funding and county support will make it possible for our team at the University of Rochester Medical Center to create and administer the Mothers and Babies Health Survey 3.0 to every mother who gives birth in 2026. Maternal morbidity and mortality remain urgent public health concerns for our county and we must continue to work towards healthy births for every mother. Survey responses will help inform effective interventions by providing critical insights. We will also be sharing the new 211 New Families Navigation Tool to help families easily access community resources. Thank you to County Executive Bello and Congressman Morelle for prioritizing maternal and child health, and supporting this important work,” said Theresa Green, PhD, MBA, Associate Professor, University of Rochester Medical Center.

The final program supported by the funding focuses on maternal wellness during pregnancy. The initiative, known as the P.A.M.P.E.R. Mom program, is led by Equally Balanced Therapy & Wellness PLLC and offers prenatal massage therapy to pregnant women in their third trimester.

The service is designed specifically for low-income and uninsured mothers, offering a therapeutic approach aimed at reducing stress and physical discomfort during pregnancy.

“Prenatal And Maternal Physical Ease & Relaxation (known as P.A.M.P.E.R.) is dedicated to empowering low-income pregnant women in their third trimester by providing accessible, culturally responsive prenatal massage therapy. Our mission is to reduce pregnancy-related stress and discomfort by promoting maternal wellness, educational resources, and improving birth outcomes through safe, nurturing and trauma-informed bodywork. The ARPA funding will allow us to offer free services to uninsured and underserved women within Monroe County who benefit most for healthcare services but is unable to afford the level of care provided due to income barriers. Through compassionate touch, education and positive interactions, PAMPER fosters comfort and emotional well-being as moms prepare for labor and delivery,” said Equally Balanced Therapy & Wellness Owner Therica Harris.

The funding aligns with recommendations outlined in the county’s 2021 Racial and Structural Equity report, which highlighted serious disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes.

According to the report, African American infants in Monroe County are three times more likely to die before reaching their first birthday, while Latino infants face twice the risk compared to white infants. The report also found that African American mothers are 2.5 times more likely to give birth to low-weight babies, while Latina mothers face double the risk.

Health officials say the programs launched this week are designed not only to address those disparities but also to build a stronger foundation for long-term community health.

Dr. Marielena Vélez de Brown, Commissioner of Public Health for Monroe County, said the programs will help identify problems early and connect families with resources at a critical moment in their lives.

“When mothers and fathers-to-be have consistent support during pregnancy and after birth, we see better outcomes for them and their babies, including healthier births, fewer complications and stronger early development,” said Commissioner of Public Health Dr. Marielena Vélez de Brown. “These programs help identify concerns early, connect families throughout Monroe County to care and provide ongoing support during a critical time for mothers, fathers and infants. Thank you to Congressman Morelle, and to Sens. Schumer and Gillibrand for securing this vital funding for our community.”

County officials say the new initiatives represent an important step toward addressing long-standing healthcare gaps while creating stronger support systems for families welcoming a new child.

Residents seeking more information about the programs and additional services available to new parents can visit 211lifeline.org/newfamily or call 211 to connect with local resources.

For families across Monroe County, leaders say the message behind the initiative is clear: healthier beginnings lead to stronger communities. And with expanded services, new partnerships, and targeted investments, officials hope more mothers and babies will have the opportunity to thrive from the very start.