Montefiore New Rochelle Hospital closed its maternity and birthing center due to the COVID-19 crisis. Located in the 10801-zip code, low-income prenatal mothers must travel to the Bronx or Yonkers to give birth. Our project will address the transportation & food insecurities needs for low income prenatal & newly birthed mothers from the 10801-zip code in New Rochelle. 10801 is the neediest area in New Rochelle, where all the public housing units are, homes to more than 300 families. And many other families live close to the margin, with very low paying jobs. COVID has greatly increased food insecurity as evidenced by the demands on local food pantries.
There are significant racial and ethnic disparities in perinatal outcomes, reinforcing the fallacy that these are wealthy counties without issues. To eliminate these disparities, there is a need for improved health care for women and children within Dutchess, Putnam, Rockland, and Westchester Counties. As noted, we will focus solely on the 10801-zip code of New Rochelle. This will be a joint project with the Rotary Club of New Rochelle. The COVID-19 crisis has added to the challenges faced by this population of women.
Angela Campbell, Executive Director of the Lower Hudson Valley Perinatal Network (LHVPN), will assist in the execution of this project. LHVPN Mobilizes the community, to eliminate disparities, and improve the health of women, children and families in New York's Lower Hudson Valley. The LHVPN was originally organized in 2004 by the Maria Fareri Children's Hospital Regional Perinatal Center with March of Dimes funding. In 2010 the LHVPN became a program of the CHRF, Inc.
LPHVN will identify/refer up to 20 low-income prenatal mothers in the 10801-zip code. They will develop and provide nutrition and health training and programming for the mothers. Mothers will be required to attend the training to become eligible to receive the vouchers for transportation to medical appointments and delivery (will work with local cab companies) and food voucher for nutritious foods (identifying local sources including the farmers market). The Rotary Clubs will source transportation companies and local food sources to provide these services. The Clubs will also be responsible for assuring delivery to those families that need assistance.
JOINT PROJECT WITH ROTARY CLUB OF NEW ROCHELLE
Budget:
Transportation Vouchers - $2000 (20 @ $100 each)
Food Vouchers - $2000 (20 @ $100 each)
Timeline: November 01, 2020 - May 30,2021
Identify Mother's - will be on-going starting from project approval (estimated 11/1/2020)
On-boarding and delivery of workshop series to each chosen participant
By May 01, 2021 - all mothers (up to 20) will be processed and will receive vouchers for transportation & food insecurity.
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