Grant aims to strengthen security at reproductive health care facilities

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — New York State is moving to better secure reproductive health care centers, following the decision of the Supreme Court to overturn federal abortion protections.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced Thursday that the state is seeking proposals for $10 million available to reproductive health care and abortion services providers to help improve the security of their facilities and the safety of its staff and patients.

The state Division of Criminal Justice Services released a request for proposals, which will allow eligible providers to submit proposals to receive up to $50,000 in funding per facility through the Securing Reproductive Health Care Centers Program.

"I will continue to do everything in my power to ensure that reproductive health care and abortion services continue to be available, accessible and safe not only for New Yorkers, but for any woman who has been denied the right to make her own healthcare decisions," Governor Hochul said. "My administration remains laser-focused on keeping these facilities safe, and these grants will help ensure a safe work environment for the dedicated professionals providing this care and for those who need it most."

Providers that received funding through the state’s Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes program may apply to this funding opportunity but the project must be different than the one previously funded.

The funding can be used for physical security improvements to facilities, such as interior and exterior facility hardening, perimeter lighting, fencing and barriers; door locks and access control systems; security cameras; alarm, panic button and lock-down systems; and public address systems, among other measures. The grants also can fund the training of staff or organization members in the use of the new security equipment.

Applications are due no later than noon on Thursday, August 18. Up to 200 projects are expected to be funded throughout the two-year period of the program.

The request for proposals can be found here. More information can be found here.