ELMIRA, NY (WENY) -- A first-of-its-kind to the area Maternity Oasis Mobile (MOM) Unit made its way to Elmira, for its first stop of many. The Guthrie MOM Unit will travel to rural and other under-served communities, for women who are facing barriers to care, like transportation or financial issues.

Its first stop was at the Elmira Community Kitchen where a handful of people received care on March 17th.

"One of our individuals did not have access to health insurance at this time, so we were able to help her do some problem solving, some pregnancy confirmation," said Casmira Lee, the M.O.M. Program Outreach Coordinator and the Onboard Dietician and Lactation Consultant.

For those with mobility issues, the bus is wheelchair accessible.

The MOM Unit provides the following OB services:

  • Confirmation of Pregnancy (manual dip)
  • First Prenatal Care  
  • Return Prenatal Care  
  • Postpartum Care  
  • Nutrition Counseling (for new & F/U)  
  • Diabetic Counseling   
  • Triage   
  • Nurse Visit (BP / NST )
  • Lactation Services

It can also provide the following limited GYN services:

  • Annual Exam (includes breast exam and pap)
  • STD testing 
  • Menstrual Disorders (abnormal periods, heavy bleeding) 
  • Medication Checks
  • Pelvic Pain 
  • Vaginal Itching / Burning / Discharge 
  • UTI’s 
  • Painful Intercourse 
  • Vaginal Abscess 

Lee also said they can do community referrals and mental health counseling. 

"Our goal is to reach out to those rural areas in New York State to bridge the gap in essential maternal health services, where women have low access, either because financially or transportation barriers," said Lee.

The MOM Unit is made possible through a grant called the Mother Cabrini Program. The MOM Unit is in its second year out of three of the grant.

"This is a grant program, it's a no-fee for a service. If someone has insurance, we will use it. If not, we will see people anyway. A social worker can help someone get enrolled into those services as well," said Lee.

Katie Rhodes, the Director of Marketing and Development for Catholic Charities of Chemung and Schuyler Counties said they have some women who need maternity health services. When the opportunity arose that Catholic Charities could partner with Guthrie, Rhodes said it was a no-brainer.

"Having women with us [who] recently have been pregnant or just found out they were pregnant, it's a nice opportunity to get the services that they need and not have to go someplace off-site (of the Elmira Community Kitchen/Dormitory Shelter). Sometimes transportation can be a barrier or sometimes being able to set up with a provider can be a barrier for them... It's really just a nice wrap-around service for anyone who needs it," said Rhodes.

 Lee said the team on the bus is very passionate about helping women and encourages those who need help to visit the MOM Unit.

"Please, don't feel embarrassed, come see us. We will do everything we can to help in any way that we are able, to get you whatever services you need. If we can't provide it, we will facilitate transportation to a facility that can," said Lee.

The MOM Unit accepts walk-ins, but you can also make an appointment by calling (866)-488-4743 ((866)-GUTHRIE).

The MOM Unit will travel to the following places for the rest of March:

  • March 20, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
    Pulteney Free Library in Steuben County
  • March 22 and March 23
    Arnot Mall Get Outside and Thrive Event in Chemung Co.
  • March 24, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
    Tyrone Fire Department in Schuyler Co.
  • March 28, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
    Grace Lee Memorial Wesleyan Church in Schuyler Co.
  • March 31, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
    Southworth Library in Tompkins Co.

Eventually, the MOM Unit will add stops to more/other communities.