GAP-Net Mini-Grants Programs:

GAP-Net offers two mini-grant programs for providers, agencies and employers in Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton, Saratoga, Warren and Washington counties of New York State.

The first, General Mini-Grants are for implementation of programs and services that address selected maternal and child priority areas. Mini-Grant awards will be given ranging from $500 to $1,000 to fund programs in the following areas:

• Targeting outreach and promotion of early entry into prenatal care
• Social marketing strategies to improve perinatal health
• Consumer/Provider education on reducing elective deliveries < 39 weeks

The second mini grant program, “Supporting Lactation in the Workplace” provides funds to agencies and businesses to promote policy and environmental system changes that support lactation in the workplace, with an emphasis on increasing the incidence and duration of breastfeeding in our service area’s employment locations.

The 2007 New York State Labor Law 206-c states:

"...That employers must allow breastfeeding mothers reasonable, unpaid break times to express milk and make a reasonable attempt to provide a private location for her to do so."

To request an application package (July thru August) or to be placed on the mailing list for the next grant cycle (September thru May) Click Here or contact Jackie Avignon, Program Coordinator, at (518) 761-0300 ext. 31250 or javignonahi@medserv.net 

Recently Funded Grant Programs

The following recipients were awarded GAP-Net Mini Grants for the following programs:

• Shades of Light, Capital Area Postpartum Support, has been awarded a General Mini-Grant to create and print 10,000 tri-fold brochures on post-partum depression. Shades of Light provides peer support for women and their families during their first year postpartum who are experiencing a Postpartum Mood Disorder or are struggling during the postpartum period.  The  brochures contain information on Perinatal Mood Disorder descriptions, crisis and help-line contact information and services, donation solicitation, and treatment options.  The four area support groups offer education, coping skills, and a safe environment for mothers to gather, share their stories, and help each other through their recovery process.

• Adirondack Medical Center (AMC) has been awarded two General Mini-Grants.  AMC's goals are targeting outreach and promotion of early entry into prenatal care and to create social marketing strategies to improve perinatal health.  The funds will be used to help launch AMC as the new Medicaid Obstetrical & Maternal Services (MOMS) provider for southern Franklin County.  The previous MOMS program for Franklin County ended last year.  The outreach campaign will inform providers, agencies, organizations and community members that the MOMS supportive services are being offered.  Materials and resources will include informative brochures and pamphlets; updated, parent-friendly website; Facebook presence, and a texting program.    

• Champlain Valley Medical Center has been awarded a "Supporting Lactation in the Workplace" award to design two new lactation rooms.  Due to upcoming construction, the current lactation room is being moved to a new, permanent location.   The new lactation rooms will be comfortable, warm, relaxing, and stress free -- all part of the strategic plan of becoming a "baby friendly hospital."  The rooms will also include pump kits, refrigerator, comfortable chairs, table and lighting and will be available for use 24/7.  The grand opening of the new rooms will be January 2012.