Governor Kathy Hochul is putting another $6.5 million into a program that delivers health care through Black churches across New York.
The funding will support Choose Healthy Life, a statewide initiative focused on expanding access to maternal and mental health services and improving health outcomes in underserved communities.
“Black churches are the cornerstone of our communities, providing trusted spaces for connection, support, and care,” Hochul said. “By continuing to invest in Choose Healthy Life, we are ensuring that critical health services reach even more families across New York State.”
With this latest round of funding, Hochul has committed more than $20 million to the program since taking office. Last year, she invested $5.9 million to expand operations beyond New York City, adding 10 Choose Healthy Life–funded churches statewide.
Choose Healthy Life launched in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. It now funds 120 churches across 13 states. New York has 30 participating churches, more than any other state.
Through its network and a partnership with United Way of New York City, the program has engaged more than 200,000 New Yorkers. It has hosted more than 3,500 community wellness events and provided over 20,000 people with health screenings, vaccinations, and preventive services.
More than 14,000 individuals have been screened for social determinants of health and referred to services. The program also offers the Blueprint for Wellness, a blood-based health screening provided at no charge by Quest Diagnostics.
Choose Healthy Life Founder and Board Chair Debra Fraser-Howze said the funding reflects a strong commitment to improving health outcomes.
“Through a unique public-private partnership with the State, Black churches, and Quest Diagnostics, we are able to deliver high-quality, no-cost health services directly into trusted community settings—expanding access, improving outcomes, and saving lives across New York,” she said.
United Way of New York City President and CEO Grace Bonilla called the partnership an example of what can happen when nonprofits, community groups, and government work together.
Choose Healthy Life President and CEO Rev. Kimberly L. Williams said the investment marks “a new chapter” for the organization and strengthens its long-term sustainability.
Clergy Council Co-Chair Bishop Leah D. Daughtry said the Black church has long served as a trusted place of leadership and care, and that the program builds on that legacy.
State leaders said the investment supports Hochul’s broader push to improve affordability and expand access to supportive health resources across New York.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].