Statement from United Way of New York City President and CEO Grace Bonilla on Choose Healthy Life’s Next Chapter

Statement from United Way of New York City President and CEO Grace Bonilla on Choose Healthy Life's Next Chapter

Feb 13, 2026| Blog, Blog Featured Articles, News, News Featured Articles

February 13, 2026

"Since January 2021, United Way of New York City (UWNYC) has been proud to serve as lead implementation partner to Choose Healthy Life (CHL)-an organization that brings faith and science together to deliver culturally competent health services to underserved Black communities through partnership with the Black church across the country. This culturally grounded model ensures that individuals and families can access the services they need in the places they trust the most.

In our role, UWNYC helped strengthen and grow CHL's model and impact by connecting churches and agencies with local health departments, hospitals and community-based organizations. As CHL has grown-and consistent with UWNYC's mission to incubate and support early-stage, high-impact community initiatives-UWNYC will transition the New York State Department of Health implementation contract to CHL, effective July 1, 2026.

UWNYC is proud to have supported CHL during its formative years, transferring management responsibilities of four major cities in 2023, successfully positioning CHL for this final, anticipated step. UWNYC has a long history of incubating organizations, including the Asian American Federation and the Hispanic Federation, which continues to be a partner today.

Importantly, this transition will not disrupt ongoing services in New York. Churches, Health Navigators, and community supporters will continue their work uninterrupted, ensuring consistent, trusted community care. UWNYC and CHL will remain mission-aligned partners, united in advancing health equity and expanding access to care for communities facing the greatest barriers."