SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. — The Healthcare Association of New York State (HANYS) presented its 2018 Community Health Improvement Award to Unity Hospital, part of Rochester Regional Health, in recognition of its outstanding community health initiative, “Healthy Moms.”
“We congratulate Unity Hospital for its exemplary initiative aimed at improving the health of the mothers, babies, and families in their community,” said HANYS President Bea Grause. “We salute all healthcare providers across the state who are engaged in countless similar initiatives to make a positive difference in their communities.”
The Award was presented at HANYS’ 50th Annual Membership Conference.
Healthy Moms
Babies are born healthier. Their moms are more confident and capable. Unity Hospital’s Healthy Moms community-based program has had a significant impact on lives and health outcomes for inner-city women and infants in Rochester since 2010.
With the goals of reducing premature births, decreasing infant mortality, and improving self-sufficiency, Healthy Moms takes a holistic approach to help educate and empower pregnant and post-partum women living in poverty. Healthy Moms works with an extensive network of partners to provide a one-stop shop for free pregnancy education classes, mental health treatment, care management, leadership programming, and job training and coaching—from pregnancy through their child’s second birthday.
Healthy Moms’ environment is positive, safe, and supportive, where moms build trusting relationships and develop self-worth. Van transportation and childcare address barriers to participation.
Unity Hospital reports a premature birth rate of just under 5% for more than 300 women who graduated from Healthy Moms pregnancy education classes compared to Rochester’s inner-city premature birth rate of 9.4% (2010-2017). The premature birth rate for more than 200 Healthy Mom participants who received mental health treatment during their pregnancies was 8%. An additional 800 participants received postpartum mental health treatment at Healthy Moms.
Healthy Moms’ impact reaches far beyond the data. Program participants are changing their lives and have new hope for the future. Through Healthy Moms, Unity Hospital’s collaborative work with Rochester General, Strong Memorial, and Highland hospitals, Ob/Gyn practices, agencies, and community-based organizations provides leadership in improving the health and well-being of inner-city women and babies, and their community.
The Healthcare Association of New York State (HANYS) is the only statewide hospital and continuing care association in New York State, representing hundreds of non-profit and public hospitals, nursing homes, home care agencies, and other healthcare organizations.