FLIPA Unveils New Division to Boost Maternal and Child Health

The newly named Forward Leading Families program builds on the network’s ongoing efforts to equip parents and caregivers with resources that promote young children’s healthy social and emotional development. In addition to continuing those services, the program will now offer expanded assistance for expectant and new mothers navigating behavioral health challenges, addressing a critical need that is often overlooked.

This program expansion — made possible by a 5-year, $2.5 million grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) — will increase access to maternal mental health and substance abuse services through a partnership with Syracuse Community Health in Syracuse and Jordan Health in Rochester, two federally qualified health centers that provide a range of care for pregnant patients and children.

“FLIPA and its community partners are committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of families in our region and this latest effort will help ensure those who are pregnant or have recently given birth have the support and resources they need, especially those facing challenges like income instability and addiction,” said Patricia McMahon, MPH, the chief executive officer of FLIPA. “By connecting community members with essential services and care, this initiative is designed to strengthen mothers in our local communities, which will empower them to build brighter futures for their children and uplift the entire region for generations to come.”

Monroe and Onondaga counties currently face health challenges such as higher rates of infant mortality and low birth weights compared to the state overall. Only 44 percent of women in Onondaga County and 30 percent of women in Monroe County have ever talked to a healthcare provider about how to have a healthy pregnancy, according to New York state health data.

Forward Leading Families’ new initiative will confront these issues head-on by strengthening referral pathways and ensuring smoother transitions in prenatal and postpartum care for individuals in need of assistance.

Pregnant and postpartum patients at medium or high risk of negative health outcomes will be identified through screenings and assessments. Individuals who participate in the program will be connected with a team of care experts and referred to services to help them and their babies get off to a strong start.

Through an integrated, collaborative approach, Forward Leading Families will eliminate barriers that can prevent pregnant patients and new mothers from accessing behavioral health care, substance abuse treatment and social support services like safe housing, transportation and childcare.

“FLIPA’s efforts to assist mothers and children continues under a new program name that better reflects the enhanced offerings, expanded reach, and lives touched in Onondaga and Monroe Counties and throughout the Finger Lakes Region,” McMahon said.

Forward Leading Families, formerly known as Bright Start Connect, was launched in May 2024 to empower parents and caregivers with expert advice on a range of early childhood topics. Established with an earlier round of funding from SAMHSA, the program has supported thousands of families through virtual caregiver sessions, expert-led workshops, provider trainings, and culturally responsive resources for children ages 0–8.

By integrating early childhood services with its new maternal health initiative under the Forward Leading Families banner, FLIPA is strengthening its commitment to a full continuum of care from pregnancy through early childhood.

“This merge represents our vow to elevate and sustain this critical work — not only for our member organizations but for the broader FLIPA community,” said McMahon. “It underscores our belief that families and caregivers deserve a lasting, well-resourced support system that meets them where they are.”

About Forward Leading IPA

Forward Leading IPA is a nonprofit member association of safety net providers working in partnership to provide the highest quality healthcare to the most vulnerable populations in Upstate NY since 2017. FLIPA is transforming healthcare delivery by connecting community health centers, behavioral health organizations, and community-based organizations to develop innovative solutions to drive successful outcomes. You can learn more at forwardleadingipa.org