Northern Adirondack Planned Parenthood establishes first MOMS Program in Franklin County

PLATTSBURGH, NY – In January 2007 Northern Adirondack Planned Parenthood received a three year, $100,000 grant from the March of Dimes to establish a Medicaid Obstetrical and Maternal Services (MOMS) program in Franklin County.  On July 7, 2008 the first MOMS patients met with MOMS Coordinator, Robin Foster, RN.   

The MOMS program offers valuable information to low-income pregnant women about healthy pregnancy.  Program participants are offered optional HIV/AIDS counseling, STI testing and treatment, smoking cessation, substance abuse counseling, psychosocial assessments, domestic violence screening and referrals, and help obtaining transportation to appointments.  Expectant mothers in the program also learn about nutrition, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), and breast feeding.  While NAPP provides these components of prenatal care, referrals to participating physicians allow patients to receive the medical component of prenatal care and delivery at not cost through Medicaid.  Women whose families earn up to the 200% of the federal poverty level are eligible for the program.

Women can self-refer or can be referred by any agency or medical provider and NAPP can see patients from any county.  All visits and services are free to women enrolled in the program.  Patients can also return to Planned Parenthood for free family planning services after delivery and their babies are eligible for free pediatric care.

Director of Patient Services, Sylvia King, RN, estimates NAPP will see 140 patients, with five visits each, in 2008.  “We are thrilled to be offering prenatal services at Planned Parenthood,” says King.  “Healthy pregnancies lead to healthier, and happier, families.  Participants in the MOMS program are setting the stage for a lifetime of health for themselves and for their children.” 

NAPP will be hosting an open house at 41 St. Bernard Street in Saranac Lake on July 30 from 5pm-7pm and another at 246 West Main Street, Suite 1 in Malone on July 31 from 5pm-7pm.