News from Pediatrics

GCH Pediatric Practice Partnership to Support Newborns and Families Receives Grant to Expand

Wednesday, April 1, 2026

On April 1, UR Medicine Golisano Children’s Hospital (GCH) Pediatric Practice was announced as one of several Monroe County American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) awardees centered on projects improving maternal and newborn health. This ARPA award enables Golisano Children’s Hospital, Rochester Regional Health, Jordan Health, Accountable Health Partners, and the United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes, to expand the scope and geographic reach for the successful ROC Family TeleConnects Program, a community wide initiative designed to provide equitable, proactive outreach, early screening, and seamless connection to community services for newborns and their families.

"Being a new mom or dad is one of life’s most meaningful—and most challenging—moments. For decades, our community has asked a simple question: what would it look like if every family in Monroe County had someone in their corner during those first critical months after bringing a baby home? ROC Family Teleconnects is that answer," said Jaime Saunders, President and CEO of United Way.

ROC Family brings together a collaborative and expert team of registered nurses, community health workers, and behavioral health specialists who work closely with primary care practices to connect with families soon after the birth of their baby. The ROC Family team welcomes new babies and supports their families using evidence based approaches and screening tools to identify strengths and concerns and ensure every family receives the support they need during the critical early months of a child’s life.

“We want to welcome all babies in Monroe County and ensure healthy outcomes for them and their families,” said Jeff Kaczorowski, MD, vice-chair for Community and Government Affairs at Golisano Children’s Hospital. “Our partnership with Rochester Regional Health, Jordan Health, Accountable Health Partners, and primary care practices within our one system of care for children makes this possible.”

The ROC Family TeleConnects program began in 2021 as a collaborative effort between the multiple health systems in the region and United Way. This program has received funding support from NYS’ First 1000 Days Initiative, Excellus, the ESL Charitable Foundation, and now Monroe County.

To date, ROC Family has helped more than 6,000 new babies and their families, working directly with the family’s doctors and nurses to provide important support, such as connecting families with resources for social care needs, checking for and helping with postpartum anxiety and depression, providing assistance for breastfeeding, and assuring families are connected to their primary care healthcare team.

“Every child and family deserves the best start from the very beginning,” said LeKeyah Wilson, MD, Vice President for Community Engagement and Social Impact at Rochester Regional Health. “Health equity begins with pregnant people and babies, and we are looking forward to expanding this vital community program.”

Pediatric Neurology Patients at Golisano Hospital Benefit from Nursing Student and Heisman Winner’s Generosity

Thursday, January 22, 2026

Kids in the pediatric neurology unit at Golisano Children’s Hospital in Rochester received a surprise gift of free Adidas merchandise, thanks to a generous donation from a local nursing student.