There are many resources available to help expectant mothers and their families.

Help Is Available

To provide assistance for an unexpected or crisis pregnancy, CHS has established a one-call outreach program via 1 (855) 301-4CHS

with access to resources in the community. Services are given both to uphold the unborn baby’s right to life and help sustain mother and baby following birth. In this collaborative program, CHS’s trained professionals offer expectant mothers encouragement and an array of practical support at this critical time and beyond, in the hope of helping the parents to continue the pregnancy.

Through this outreach program, a social worker/health care navigator is available by phone from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday, supported 24/7 by a team of trained professionals evenings, weekends and holidays. All conversations are confidential and follow HIPAA guidelines. Referrals to medical appointments can be scheduled and transportation arranged. If social or immediate material assistance (food, shelter and clothing) is required, CHS’s navigator can provide information or connect callers with persons at agencies in the local area. Women and families in distress receive the respect and care they need to bring their baby safely to term.

Since needs exist beyond pregnancy, the comprehensive resources made available to callers will be beneficial after the baby’s delivery. The goal is to provide nonjudgmental support and guidance, with an emphasis on education regarding all the assistance within reach to continue the pregnancy. Couples or single women who are experiencing challenges should not feel alone.

Affirming the sanctity of life from the moment of conception, CHS respects the dignity of each person and continues Christ’s healing mission. Recognizing that abortion is prevalent on Long Island, this program is designed to be part of the solution, providing expert medical, social, economic, emotional and spiritual resources to those in crisis. List of Crisis Pregnancy Centers in Long Island

Family-Centered Perinatal Program

In addition, this one-call outreach assists expectant parents who have received a prenatal diagnosis of a life-limiting illness such as

anencephaly, severe chromosomal anomalies, inoperable cardiac abnormalities or Potter’s syndrome. Through Gabriel’s Courage—CHS’s family-centered perinatal program—obstetricians, registered nurses, social workers, chaplains, child life specialists and bereavement specialists work together to offer compassionate support, education and birth planning services. Through the development of a birth plan, parents are able to determine the care they want for their baby and make decisions for their newborn prior to birth. An important component of the program is taking memory-building photos, footprints and handprints, reaffirming the precious life of this special infant. For more than a year after the child’s birth, the team will remain in contact with the family to help bridge the feelings of loss, while validating the role of the parents.

Project Rachel

Post-abortion healing resources are also offered for those in need, providing the opportunity to experience the loving mercy of God in a safe and sacred space, without judgment, and information is kept strictly confidential. There are Project Rachel Days of Prayer and Healing throughout Long Island, led by the Sisters of Life. Regardless of faith, number of abortions or other issues, all are welcome to attend. Participants will not be asked to discuss their abortion, and privacy is always a priority. To learn more, please click here.

Support at a Difficult Time

While these services are offered from the Catholic tradition, CHS’s one-call outreach program is intended to serve individuals from any walk of life. Our staff are prepared to assist people of all religions or persons of no particular faith tradition. It’s not necessary to identify your faith, but doing so may help in obtaining spiritual support or connecting with clergy or chaplains (if requested or needed).

Many who are suffering alone take great comfort in sharing their burden. CHS counselors are available to meet with women individually, in person or over the phone, whether in a single conversation or in ongoing meetings. This outreach allows women, couples and families the opportunity to respond with courage to what may be their life’s most difficult moments.

The confidential, dedicated telephone number for this program is 1 (855) 301-4CHS, supported by the availability of multilingual interpretive services. Anyone of any faith may call or refer to this support line, including representatives of parishes, colleges and crisis pregnancy centers, to facilitate safe, nonjudgmental companioning for women and couples in a crisis pregnancy. To speak to someone about pregnancy options immediately between 7:00 pm and 7:30 am Monday to Friday or on the weekend, please call 1 (800) 712-HELP (4357).

For more information visit www.chsli.org/pregnancy-support-services

All information and images are taken from Catholic Health Services of Long island Website