Jubilant Birth is a pilot program providing no-strings-attached cash to 28 pregnant individuals in Albany. Launched in November 2024 by United Way of the Greater Capital Region, this program aims to reduce financial stress and improve maternal health and birth outcomes in Albany County.
Community Partners
The Premise
Pregnancy is a critical period of development that has long-term implications for the health of mothers and children. Financial insecurity is often exacerbated during pregnancy and contributes to chronic stress, which can have adverse effects on maternal and infant health, including premature birth.
Jubilant Birth is designed to reduce this toxic stress by providing direct cash assistance.
Why It's Critical
Income inequality is a key contributor to racial disparities in birth outcomes. Low-income families lack flexible cash, often live paycheck to paycheck, and are challenged to save or have access to resources for unexpected expenses.
The weight of this financial burden can be magnified by pregnancy and the additional costs incurred by having a child.
- From 2016-2018, there were 34.1 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births in Albany County.
- Black women (12.2%) have higher rates of preterm birth than their white counterparts (8.3%). Albany County Health Indicators
- At 14.6 percent, the infant mortality rate for Black babies in Albany County is nearly double the rate across New York State.
- The infant mortality rate for Black babies is also higher than the rates for white (4.0%), Asian/Pacific Islander (2.1%), and Hispanic (8.6%) babies in Albany County.
- At 12.2%, Black women are twice as likely as white women to have a baby with a low birth rate (below 5.5 lbs.). NY Department of Health
- 13% of Black babies in Albany County are born premature, higher than the overall rate of 10%..
- Prematurity is a leading cause of infant mortality and has been linked to lifelong conditions, such as behavioral development issues, learning difficulties, and chronic disease.
PART OF THE SOLUTION:
A Financial Plus strategy to improve maternal and infant health:
Jubilant Birth builds on the evidence from the first US study, Baby’s First Years (2013), which examines how poverty reduction affects infants’ cognitive, emotional, and brain development. Similarly, Jubilant Birth builds on the success of existing maternal infant direct cash transfers, such as The Bridge Project and California’s Pre-Term Birth Initiative.
The evidence from existing research and direct cash programs emphasizes that removing the stress of poverty allows families to invest more time and resources into their children’s development, benefiting both parents and children. Other pilot programs show that unconditional cash support enables families to make informed decisions, improving overall health and well-being.
Jubilant Birth operates on the belief that cash support combined with connection, guidance, and health accompaniment (such as access to doulas, health coaches, and more) can significantly benefit pregnant individuals, particularly those identifying as Black or people of color, as they navigate a healthcare system where disparities in treatment and outcomes are well-documented.
In this one-year pilot, 28 women will receive $1,000 per month for 12 months.
Eligibility Requirements:
- You must be at least 18 years of age
- Between 20-28 weeks pregnant (as of 3/8/25)
- Live in Albany County, NY
- Have a household income within the eligible range (See income eligibility chart below)
Each participant will also undergo a benefits analysis to ensure fully informed decision-making regarding how the cash payments might impact their existing benefits.
Beyond the cash assistance, participants will be offered a range of pre and postnatal support and birthing services provided by our community partners. Jubilant Birth Albany (JBA) operates on the belief that cash support combined with connection, guidance, and health accompaniment (such as access to doulas of color, health coaches, and more) can significantly benefit pregnant individuals, particularly those identifying as Black or people of color, as they navigate a healthcare system where disparities in treatment and outcomes are well-documented.
Participatory Evaluation
Participatory and culturally appropriate evaluation is key to the success of Jubilant Birth to further guide solutions that address health disparities using a racial and income equity framework. Evaluation will use a participatory approach, with an emphasis on qualitative data to amplify participants’ voices. The evaluation will be designed to center the voices and experiences of the program participants, not as objects of research but rather as vibrant experts in their own lives.
Insight, evidence, and learning gained through the pilot initiative will provide substantial guidance into the changes needed to positively influence poor birth and maternal health outcomes in Albany and beyond. We anticipate evaluation results will illuminate the simultaneous constraints of other social support programs when compared to the novelty of being unconditionally supported and subsequently motivated and celebrated.
Participation in the evaluation process will be optional.
Income Eligibility
To be eligible for Jubilant Birth Albany, you must have a household income within the eligible range. Depending on your household size, the range is different. Please see the chart below:
Leading the Way for Capital Region Mothers
At United Way, we know that every mother deserves the opportunity to thrive. Through Jubilant Birth Albany, we are committed to supporting Capital Region mothers who are part of the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) community, ensuring they have access to essential resources during one of life’s most transformative journeys.
By supporting United Way, you’re helping to provide vital resources that empower mothers to overcome financial obstacles, access quality healthcare, and build a stable foundation for their families. Together, we are LEADING THE WAY for a brighter future where every mother can feel secure, supported, and celebrated.
Join us in making a difference today.
Thank You to our Key Supporters
Jubilant Birth is made possible by a diverse coalition of financial sponsors, whose generous investments were critical to launching this pilot program in the community.
The Carl E. Touhey Foundation
Highmark Blue Shield of Northeastern New York
Hudson Valley Credit Union
Albany County Executive Dan McCoy/Albany County American Rescue Plan (ARPA)
Support Jubilant Birth Albany by becoming a sponsor. For more information, please contact jubilantbirth@unitedwaygcr.org
Jubilant Birth Albany: In the News
November 18, 2024
Times Union | United Way launches program to tackle maternal death rate in Albany County
News Channel 13 | Albany County pilot program aims to improve maternal health
WRGB | Jubilant Birth Albany' launches to aid low-income pregnant women
Spectrum News 1 | Program that provides monthly checks to expecting moms launched in Albany County
WAMC Radio | United Way launches "Jubilant Birth Albany"
Income Eligibility
To be eligible for Jubilant Birth Albany, you must have a household income within the eligible range. Depending on your household size, the range is different. Please see the chart below: