Univera Healthcare Announces Health Equity Innovation Award Recipients

Univera Healthcare has announced the recipients of its 2025 Health Equity Innovation Awards, an annual funding opportunity that supports nonprofit organizations working to eliminate health disparities and improve health outcomes across Western New York.

Five nonprofit organizations from across Western New York were selected from nearly 50 applicants. Their proposals were chosen for their innovation, community engagement, and alignment with the goal of advancing health equity. The selected organizations are implementing solutions tailored to the needs of their communities, with a focus on measurable impact and long-term sustainability.

To ensure the awards addressed the most urgent health challenges, Univera Healthcare used a data-informed, region-specific strategy. Based on community health assessments and stakeholder input, the organization identified key areas where disparities are most pronounced, guiding funding toward initiatives with the greatest potential to improve outcomes.

One such concern is the presence of maternity care deserts in parts of Western New York, where access to obstetric services is limited or nonexistent. Women in these areas often face long travel times to reach care, delayed prenatal visits, and fewer maternal health resources. According to the March of Dimes – Maternity Care Deserts Report, these barriers are associated with higher preterm birth rates, pregnancy complications, and long-term health risks for both mothers and infants.

"We’re committed to helping build healthier communities by supporting organizations that share our mission," said Paul Valley, president of Univera Healthcare. "These programs are making a real difference in the lives of individuals and families, and we’re proud to help expand their reach and impact."

Award recipients will use the funding to implement a range of community-based programs focused on improving health outcomes and advancing equity across Western New York. This initiative reflects Univera Healthcare’s commitment to improving community health by investing in programs that promote equity, expand access to care, and support underserved populations.

The organizations and programs selected to receive Health Equity Innovation Awards are:

Healthy Community Alliance Inc. – Caregiver tech solutions: Technology to enhance maternal health and well-being: Caregiver Tech Solutions helps rural mothers of children with complex needs reduce stress and improve well-being through personalized technology and coaching. Over three to four months, mothers work with a wellness coach to identify tech tools—such as monitors, tablets, or adaptive devices—that provide relief, increase support, and expand access to telehealth and virtual resources.

Literacy New York Buffalo-Niagara Inc. (LBN) – Digi-Skills health literacy program: Health access approach: Literacy Buffalo Niagara expands health care access for 300 under-resourced individuals in Erie and Niagara counties through digital and health literacy workshops, e-health programming, and one-on-one tutoring. By teaching skills to navigate telehealth, patient portals, and online health tools, the program breaks down barriers, improves health equity, and empowers participants to manage their care confidently.

Neighborhood Health Center of WNY Inc. – Bridging health outcomes gaps through social needs screening and response: Neighborhood Health Center tackles diabetes and hypertension disparities by integrating social determinants of health screenings into routine care. Medical assistants use the New York State screening tool during intake, and providers connect patients to social supports. This approach improves individual outcomes and informs population-level strategies for health equity.

Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center – Hope for every mother: Ending inequities in pregnancy care: The Perinatal Crisis Coach program provides immediate support for pregnant women arriving at the emergency department—many without prenatal care or a primary doctor. Coaches offer counseling, screen for social and mental health needs, schedule urgent OB appointments, and ensure warm handoffs to ongoing care, reducing risks and improving maternal health outcomes.

UPward Design for Life Corp. – Healthy home furniture installation program: The Healthy Home Furniture Installation Program transforms empty apartments into safe, fully furnished homes for families transitioning from shelters, foster care, or crisis situations. With donated furniture and essentials, the program restores dignity, stability, and hope—turning bare walls into spaces where healing and independence can thrive.