NEW YORK – Mayor Eric Adams and the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan have announced a significant milestone in their efforts to improve maternal and infant health. Since the expansion of the city’s New Family Home Visits Initiative, over 12,000 families have received vital support services through home visits by trained health professionals.
Launched two years ago with a $34 million investment, the initiative aims to address racial disparities in maternal health by providing home visits from doulas, lactation consultants, nurses, and community health workers. The program encompasses three key components: the Newborn Home Visits Program, the Nurse Family Partnership, and the Citywide Doula Initiative.
As of December 2023, the Newborn Home Visits Program has assisted approximately 9,500 families, while the Nurse Family Partnership has supported 1,200 families. The Citywide Doula Initiative has reached 1,900 families, including support during approximately 1,300 births. These services include in-person and virtual visits to aid new and expecting parents in preparing for childbirth and navigating early parenthood, ensuring access to essential health services, and fostering a supportive environment for families.
The Adams administration has set an ambitious goal to reduce Black maternal mortality by 10 percent by 2030 as part of the HealthyNYC initiative. Despite this progress, Black New Yorkers are still four times more likely to experience pregnancy-associated deaths compared to their white counterparts, highlighting the ongoing need for targeted interventions.
"From day one, our administration has been committed to improving maternal health and tackling disparities head-on," said Mayor Adams. "The expansion of our doula program and other support services is a testament to our dedication to building healthier families. By investing in these essential services, we are laying the groundwork for a healthier future for all New Yorkers."
Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom emphasized the significance of engaging a comprehensive care team, including doulas and lactation specialists, to provide holistic support to expecting families. "This initiative is a critical part of our strategy to close equity gaps and ensure every family has the support they need to thrive."
The New Family Home Visits Initiative also introduced a pioneering web-based coordinated intake and referral system, which has simplified the process of connecting families with appropriate programs and resources. This innovation earned the DOHMH the Government Technology Best of New York City Award in November 2023.
The initiative’s impact is evident in its broad reach and positive outcomes, as it continues to address the pressing issue of maternal health disparities. The program’s efforts are further supported by recent investments in Women Forward NYC, a comprehensive plan to advance gender equity and enhance access to professional development, healthcare, and housing services.
New York State Senator Roxanne J. Persaud and Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar praised the initiative for its crucial role in supporting new and expectant parents and for its alignment with efforts to reduce Black maternal mortality. "This program is a vital resource for many families, and I applaud the administration for its commitment to improving maternal health outcomes," said Rajkumar.
City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and Councilmember Carlina Rivera highlighted the initiative’s role in addressing racial disparities and enhancing maternal health services across the city. "The expansion of these services is a crucial step toward ensuring that all families, especially those in underserved communities, receive the support they need," said Adams.
As New York City continues to tackle disparities in maternal and infant health, the New Family Home Visits Initiative stands as a model for comprehensive, community-centered care, demonstrating the city’s dedication to building a healthier and more equitable future for all its residents.
— Aime Lufulwabo, MD, MPH
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