June 17th, 2025
Transformational project is part of $2.7 million in ARPA funds to close health gaps throughout Monroe County
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Monroe County Executive Adam Bello today joined Congressman Joe Morelle, County Legislators, and representatives from St. Joseph’s Neighborhood Center to celebrate the launch of the new Medical Outreach and Engagement Vehicle (MOE)—a transformative project that will bring healthcare directly to communities in need.
Funded through $2.7 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) resources awarded to St. Joseph’s Neighborhood Center in 2023, the MOE is designed to address long-standing healthcare access gaps by serving uninsured and underinsured residents in Monroe County.
“For too many of our neighbors, the lack of access to quality, affordable healthcare has led to serious and persistent disparities in public health,” said County Executive Bello. “The MOE is a transformational investment that breaks down barriers by delivering vital medical services directly into the neighborhoods where they are needed most. I’m proud to support this work and grateful to St. Joseph’s Neighborhood Center for their innovative approach, to our federal representatives—Congressman Morelle and Senators Schumer and Gillibrand—for securing these ARPA funds, and to the County Legislature for their partnership in making this possible.”
“Ensuring equal access to healthcare is one of my top priorities, and thanks to the tireless work of organizations like St. Joseph’s Neighborhood Center, we’re making meaningful progress breaking down barriers to essential health services,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “I was proud to help secure this federal funding in Congress—and as House Republicans continue their efforts to strip health care from millions of Americans, I remain more determined than ever to protect these vital resources. I’m grateful to my friend County Executive Bello for his steadfast commitment to using these funds to uplift our neighbors and invest in services that help families not only survive—but thrive.”
U.S. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said, “I passed the America Rescue Plan so that our counties, cities, and towns could keep essential workers on the job and also have resources – like the $2.7 million here – to deliver vital services like better healthcare. This mobile clinic is better, more affordable healthcare on wheels. I applaud County Executive Bello and St. Joseph’s Neighborhood Center for taking bold, common sense and compassionate action to ensure no neighbor is left behind.”
“Skyrocketing health care costs and chronic gaps in access mean that too many New Yorkers have difficulty getting routine health screenings, physical exams, and mental health services,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Access to health care is a human right – not a privilege. Thanks to the ARPA funds that I helped secure in Congress, this new vehicle will bring critical health services directly to communities in need throughout Monroe County, regardless of patients’ income or insurance status. I’m proud to see federal funds being used for this project, and I promise to keep fighting to dismantle systemic health disparities in communities throughout our state and our nation.”
“Every resident deserves access to quality healthcare, no matter their zip code, income, or insurance status,” said County Legislature President Yversha Román. “By investing in a mobile medical outreach and engagement vehicle, we are delivering care directly to the communities that need it most. This is how we remove barriers, close gaps, and make healthcare more accessible and equitable for everyone. Thank you to St. Joseph’s Neighborhood Center for their forward-thinking approach to care and their continued service to our community.”
“With the launch of the new Mobile Medical Outreach and Engagement Vehicle, critical healthcare services will be in the neighborhoods which need them most,” said Majority Leader Yudelson. “This initiative is about breaking down barriers to ensure every person has access to compassionate, high-quality care. I am grateful to Congressman Morelle, County Executive Bello, my Legislature colleagues, and everyone at the St. Joseph’s Neighborhood Center who is making this possible.”
The retrofitted outreach vehicle will focus on high-need areas across Monroe County, targeting communities experiencing elevated levels of poverty, chronic health conditions, limited access to healthcare services, and higher rates of violence. Staffed by both paid and volunteer healthcare professionals, the MOE will offer physical exams, health screenings, and overall health support—regardless of patients’ income or insurance status.
According to Monroe County’s 2021 Racial and Structural Equity (RASE) Report, the county’s uninsured rate outpaces both state and national averages, with city of Rochester residents disproportionately affected. The MOE aims to reduce these inequities by meeting residents where they are.
Jennifer Sahrle, Executive Director of St. Joseph’s Neighborhood states, “We are delighted to see the MOE dream become a reality and expand our services by bringing them to our neighbors in need throughout the community. In this special way, we are breaking down one more barrier to care – transportation. We’re grateful to have received the funds to be able to provide these critical services.”
In addition to funding the MOE, ARPA resources also supported vital infrastructure upgrades at St. Joseph’s Neighborhood Center on South Avenue, including a new roof, renovations to the patient lobby/waiting area, and technology improvements to better serve patients and clients.
