Niagara Falls Memorial launches new P3 Center for Teens, Moms and Kids

New service will focus on planning, pregnancy, parenting

Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center has been awarded a four-year, $1.15 million state grant to launch a new service to holistically address the health and social needs of women and their families.

Called the P3 Center for Teens, Moms and Kids, it will provide case management, education, referral and follow-up, advocacy and home visiting services. The program will be housed in the Hamilton B. Mizer Primary Care Center, 501 10th St., at Ferry Avenue, Niagara Falls.

The Maternal and Infant Health Community Collaborative grant from the New York State Department of Health was awarded following a competitive application process.

"The funding was made available to improve maternal and infant health outcomes and reduce the incidence of premature birth, low-birth-weight babies and infant mortality in communities with the greatest need," Memorial Community Programs Director Kendra McClain said. "Our team of community health workers will be out in the community addressing such issues as family planning, children's health, parenting needs, housing, health insurance and social service support."

Sarah Obot will serve as program coordinator.

"Our focus will be on the three Ps - planning, pregnancy and parenting - with an emphasis on community-based outreach. You can expect us to very active in offering frequent, interactive workshops for teenage girls, parents-to-be, parents and grandparents," Obot said.

Obot also is the coordinator of Project Runway, a Memorial Medical Center program that provides a pathway for drug- and alcohol-free living for young women residing in Niagara.

"These programs go hand-in-glove," Obot said. "We also will work closely with our health home and insurance navigator programs to ensure women in our community receive the services they need."

For more information about the P3 Center for Teens, Moms and Kids, call 716-278-4274.