Univera Healthcare announced today that it is asking the community to submit ideas for its Member and Community Health Improvement (MACHI) funding, that specifically targets maternal health programs and access to comprehensive maternal care.

Not-for-profit organizations may submit project ideas via Univerahealthcare.com beginning May 2, 2022. Organizations interested in applying are encouraged to review program guidelines by clicking the maternal health banner at the top of Univerahealthcare.com to learn more. All applications must be received no later than midnight on May 25, 2022.

Submitting a brief idea summary is the first step in the grant process. Not-for-profit applicants whose initiatives are selected for the next stage will then be invited to submit a full application. Final funding decisions will be announced in fall 2022.

“In keeping with our mission to ensure access to high-quality health care and reduce health disparities, this targeted grant funding provides an opportunity to significantly advance our understanding of the factors underlying preventable maternal health issues and improve maternal health and health equity in upstate New York,” says Gina Cuyler, MD, Univera vice president of health equity and community investments.

Pregnant women in the United States are more than twice as likely to die from complications related to pregnancy or childbirth than those in most high-income countries. Prevalence of delivery complications is 46 percent higher among black mothers versus white mothers and the maternal mortality rate is three times higher.

Univera Healthcare operates in 8 upstate New York counties: Erie, Niagara, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Orleans, Wyoming, Genesee, and Allegany.

The company’s corporate giving follows all applicable laws and regulations and does not support funding organizations that conflict with its corporate mission, goals, policies, or products.