NORWICH – Planned Parenthood of South Central New York has long been providing prenatal care to uninsured pregnant women in the area, and after seeing their 2,500th patient (for several years, the organization didn’t keep track of how many patients they had seen) the program directors hope more women in need will utilize their services.

The Prenatal Care Assistance Program helps pregnant, uninsured women who meet their income guidelines. The program covers the full cost of prenatal health care, including doctor visits, lab work, ultrasounds – including three dimensional ultrasounds – pregnancy-related prescriptions and dental visits during pregnancy.

“PCAP is a hospital-based program,” explained Registered Nurse Sarah Bohnert. “We offer financial, emotional and educational services to women in need.” PCAP works with Chenango Memorial Hospital, sending patients to CMH for prenatal visits and delivery. In addition, patients have four visits with Bohnert throughout their pregnancy.

“It’s a great connection to other agencies. We have the ability to help with other resources,” Bohnert explained, saying she has been able to find reliable child safety seats and sometimes even housing for patients with no where to go.

“Most of my patients are younger,” she said. “Sixty percent are first time moms, but we do have a lot of repeat customers and I think that speaks as a credit to the program.” Currently the program has 103 active patients, meaning they have not yet delivered.