Molina Healthcare of New York and Affinity by Molina Healthcare Announce Partnership with Pajama Program, Distribute 1,700 Pair of Pajamas
Media Contact: Ben Jackey, Ben.Jackey@molinahealthcare.com, (502) 377-9484
NEW YORK, June 5, 2025 – Molina Healthcare of New York (“Molina”) and Affinity by Molina Healthcare (“Affinity”) are collaborating with Pajama Program to help provide a better night’s sleep to families in need. The partnership was formed in May, recognized as Better Sleep Month. Molina and Affinity are providing funding and volunteer help to assist with the organization’s distribution of pajamas to several local community agencies assisting underserved children.
Children facing poverty get an average of 30-60 fewer minutes of sleep per night compared to their higher-income peers. Poor sleep in early childhood has been linked to cognitive issues, negatively impacting attention, problem solving, and language development. Research also suggests lack of sleep in childhood could increase risks of obesity, diabetes, and depression.
Through this partnership, 80 Molina and Affinity employees supported 13 of Pajama Program’s partner organizations, including social service organizations, homeless shelters, domestic violence shelters, and early childcare/early education programs. In May, Molina employees sorted, folded, and distributed over 1,700 pajama sets.
“We are proud to partner with Pajama Program to support the health and well-being of children across New York,” said Joiel Ray-Alexander, AVP of growth and community engagement at Molina Healthcare of New York. “Molina understands the critical role sleep plays in a child’s physical, emotional, and developmental health, and we are committed to helping provide the resources families need to support healthy routines at home.”
“We are thrilled to partner with Molina Healthcare of New York for Better Sleep Month,” said Jamie Dyce, executive director of Pajama Program. “Their dedication to families and community wellness is a perfect match for our mission. Together, we are helping more children access the consistent, safe, and peaceful sleep they need to thrive.”
Since 2001, Pajama Program has provided more than 8.6 million pajamas and storybooks to children nationwide, along with sleep education resources for children and their caregivers, educators, and service providers. Better Sleep Month, recognized every May, brings attention to the essential role of sleep in overall health, especially for children. For those experiencing poverty or instability, a healthy bedtime routine can be difficult to establish, yet it remains a critical foundation for success in school, relationships, and well-being.
About Molina Healthcare of New York
Molina Healthcare of New York, Inc. provides government-funded, quality health care, serving members through Medicaid, Child Health Plus (CHP), Health & Recovery Plan (HARP), and the Essential Plan in New York. Through its locally operated health plans, Molina Healthcare, Inc., a Fortune 500 company, provides managed health care services under the Medicaid and Medicare programs, and through state insurance marketplaces. For more information about Molina Healthcare of New York, visit MolinaHealthcare.com.
About Pajama Program
Pajama Program is a national nonprofit organization that promotes and supports a comforting bedtime routine and healthy sleep for all children, especially those facing adversity. The organization provides new pajamas, storybooks, and educational resources for children and their caregivers, creating the conditions children need to thrive.
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