EHS Receives Grant to Advance Maternal Health Equity

Episcopal Health Services (EHS) has been awarded a $150,000 grant from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation to continue providing free, individualized and culturally responsive support to pregnant women of color in the Rockaways, regardless of gestational age.

The initiative is designed to reduce persistent maternal health disparities in historically marginalized communities by addressing the systemic social, economic and environmental factors that influence pregnancy outcomes. Through this funding, EHS will provide comprehensive maternal health support to 120 participants, promoting improved long-term health for both mothers and their children.

Each participant will receive a personalized Individualized Care Plan (ICP) tailored to their medical, social and emotional needs. The program emphasizes continuity of care, culturally competent engagement and community-based support — essential components in advancing maternal health equity and strengthening family stability.

“This grant allows us to advance our commitment to mothers who face disproportionate risks during pregnancy,” said Jacqueline M. Marecheau, MD, FACOG, Chair, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at EHS. “By addressing not only clinical needs but also the social conditions that influence health, we are creating a more equitable system of care for families on the Rockaway Peninsula and surrounding communities.”

This award marks the fourth grant Episcopal Health Services has received from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation. Previous funding helped establish and expand maternal health programming, including St. John’s Episcopal Hospital’s pioneering Doula Program. The continued partnership reflects a shared commitment to advancing health equity and improving outcomes for vulnerable New Yorkers.

“Our grantee partners are navigating an incredibly challenging landscape, and yet their commitment to serving their communities continues to deepen. These grants demonstrate our resolve to stand with them by addressing urgent needs today, while strengthening the systems and workforce that will support New Yorkers’ health for years to come,” said Msgr. Gregory Mustaciuolo, Chief Executive Officer of the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation.

This Maternal Social Determinants of Health Program is part of EHS’s broader strategy to expand women’s health services in the Rockaways and serve as a regional hub for advanced, comprehensive care.