SC New York News

The Guthrie Clinic recently introduced the Maternity Oasis Mobile (MOM) Unit, aimed at providing maternity services to underserved rural communities in the Southern Tier and Central New York. This initiative seeks to support healthy pregnancies and address maternal health disparities by offering prenatal, childbirth, and postpartum care via a mobile unit.

Dr. Edmund Sabanegh, President and CEO of The Guthrie Clinic, stated, “We pride ourselves on our ability to meet the challenges that exist within the rural health care space. We know there are mothers and families who would otherwise go without the care they need during this critical time in their life and the life of their baby. It is our mission to meet them where they’re at.”

The MOM Unit will be staffed with midwives, doulas, an LPN, a dietitian, and other healthcare professionals, providing essential maternal services. The initiative also plans to offer educational workshops and resources to empower rural communities with knowledge on maternity and infant health.

Dr. J. Manuel Arreguin, Chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology at The Guthrie Clinic, expressed his enthusiasm stating, “After 35 years and thousands of deliveries, it is just as rewarding now as it was then to help bring a child into this world. But not every mother has the same access to proper health care during the process. It is overwhelming to be part of this next stage of maternal care in our communities.”

The project has been made possible by a $3 million grant from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation. Nancy Gildersleeve, Senior Program Officer at the foundation, commented, "We are thrilled to support The Guthrie Clinic’s Maternity Care Oasis Initiative, which brings essential prenatal, childbirth, and postpartum care directly to underserved rural communities. This mobile unit is a beacon of hope, ensuring healthier pregnancies and better outcomes for mothers and babies, aligning perfectly with our mission to eliminate barriers to care and improve health outcomes for all New Yorkers.”

Guthrie’s commitment to improving healthcare access is evident through this initiative, aimed at securing better outcomes for rural mothers and babies. State Senator Lea Webb also supported the program, noting, “As Chair of the Senate Women’s Issues Committee, the launch of Guthrie’s Maternity Oasis Mobile Van is a transformative step toward reducing maternal health disparities in rural communities across the Southern Tier and Central New York. By bringing comprehensive care—like ultrasounds, mental health counseling, and breastfeeding support—directly to those in need, this initiative ensures that high-quality maternal care is accessible to all women. I’m proud to support this effort to eliminate barriers and provide the compassionate, essential care that every mother deserves."

The 39-foot-long mobile unit, equipped with two exam rooms, will visit multiple counties in Upstate New York, starting March 17 at the United Way of Broome County in Binghamton. Further visits are planned for various community sites over the coming period.