NYC Expands Maternal and Infant Health Services Initiative to Over 12,000 Families

On Monday, May 13th, New York City Mayor Eric Adams, along with Deputy Mayor Anne Williams-Isom and Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan, announced significant progress in the city’s New Family Home Visits Initiative, which has successfully served over 12,000 families with vital maternal and infant health services since its expansion.

The initiative, which encompasses the Newborn Home Visits Program, Nurse-Family Partnership, and Citywide Doula Initiative, aims to address the stark racial disparities in maternal health outcomes, particularly among Black and Brown communities in NYC. “Since day one, our administration has been committed to supporting expecting families and tackling maternal mortality,” stated Mayor Adams. “Our administration has taken action to boost birth equity – expanding the doula program citywide and setting the ambitious goal of reducing Black maternal mortality by 10 percent by 2030.”

Deputy Mayor Williams-Isom emphasized the administration’s commitment to reshaping the maternal health system to engage a broader care team and provide every expectant person and family the support they need before and after welcoming their new family member. “Furthermore, we set a goal through HealthyNYC to reduce Black maternal mortality by 10 percent by 2030, as Black women are four times more likely to experience a pregnancy-associated death compared to white women in New York City,” she added.

Dr. Vasan highlighted the tailored approach of the initiative, which focuses on meeting individual family needs to build trust and a healthy future. “Supporting maternal and infant health in a way that centers an individual family’s needs is essential to building trust and a strong foundation for a healthy future,” he explained. 

The initiative not only provides direct services but also implements the nation’s first citywide, web-based coordinated intake and referral system, making it easier for families to connect with appropriate programs.

The comprehensive support offered by the New Family Home Visits Initiative includes home visits by trained health workers such as nurses, doulas, and lactation consultants. These professionals provide education, screening, and referrals on a wide range of health and safety topics, ensuring that families have the resources they need to thrive from the start.

This initiative represents a proactive approach by the city to improve the health and well-being of its residents, laying a stronger foundation for future generations by addressing critical health disparities head-on. The success of the initiative is a testament to the city’s dedication to enhancing maternal and infant health care, aiming to set a standard for urban health services nationwide.