New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced an increase in funding for Choose Healthy Life, allocating $6.5 million to the program focused on expanding health services in underserved communities through Black churches across the state.
Governor Hochul said, “Black churches are the cornerstone of our communities, providing trusted spaces for connection, support, and care. By continuing to invest in Choose Healthy Life, we are ensuring that critical health services reach even more families across New York State.”
This latest investment brings the total amount committed by the Governor since taking office to over $20 million for programs aimed at improving health outcomes for Black residents. Last year, a $5.9 million allocation expanded Choose Healthy Life’s operations beyond New York City, adding 10 new church sites in upstate regions.
Choose Healthy Life was established in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic and now supports 120 churches across 13 states. Of these, 30 are located in New York—more than any other state.
Working with United Way of New York City and a network of 30 Black churches statewide, Choose Healthy Life has reached more than 200,000 New Yorkers through over 3,500 community wellness events. The organization has provided comprehensive health screenings and preventative services to more than 20,000 people and screened over 14,000 individuals for social determinants of health.
A public-private partnership underpins CHL’s work in New York. Services include the Blueprint for Wellness—a blood-based health screening offered free of charge by Quest Diagnostics.
Choose Healthy Life Founder and Board Chair Debra Fraser-Howze said, “Governor Hochul’s continued investment in Choose Healthy Life reflects a deep commitment to addressing the health challenges facing Black New Yorkers. Through a unique public-private partnership with the State, Black churches, and Quest Diagnostics, we are able to deliver high-quality, no-cost health services directly into trusted community settings—expanding access, improving outcomes, and saving lives across New York.”
United Way of New York City President and CEO Grace Bonilla added: “We are incredibly proud to have served as the implementation partner for Choose Healthy Life since its inception. United Way of New York City has a longstanding track record of incubating and scaling high-impact initiatives that meet pressing community needs. This partnership reflects what is possible when nonprofits, community-based organizations, and government work in true collaboration to drive innovation and address complex problems. It has been an honor to stand alongside Choose Healthy Life and Governor Hochul to ensure that New York families have dignified access to the care and support they deserve.”
Choose Healthy Life President and CEO Rev. Kimberly L. Williams said: “This funding commitment and transition mark a new chapter for Choose Healthy Life. Governor Hochul’s continued investment affirms the impact of this work, and our partnership with United Way of New York City laid the foundation for long-term sustainability. Together, we are strengthening the bridge between science and the trusted relationships of the Black church to deliver meaningful results across New York.”
Bishop Leah D. Daughtry, Co-Chair of CHL’s Clergy Council commented: “For generations, the Black church has been a trusted place of leadership, care, and refuge. With support from Governor Hochul and United Way of New York City, that trust continues to guide how health care reaches our communities. Choose Healthy Life is honored to build on that legacy.”
Choose Healthy Life operates as a nonprofit organization supporting faith-based Health Navigators who provide training and resources within their communities. Since its founding in 2021 it has hosted over 11,000 events nationwide; distributed vaccines or self-test kits; tested more than 350,000 people; and conducted comprehensive risk screenings on over 35,000 individuals.
United Way of New York City works alongside partners from government sectors as well as private organizations with an aim toward maximizing impact by coordinating service providers throughout local neighborhoods.
