Governor Hochul Announces $27.5 Million to Expand Maternal and Child Health Care at Elmhurst Hospital in Queens.
New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “This is an important investment in the health of women giving birth, children and the Queens community. Women giving birth deserve access to services that will allow them to have a safe and empowering birth experience. It is also an investment important for seriously injured or ill children, who, along with their families and loved ones, deserve compassionate, high-quality and home-based care.
NYC Health and Hospitals CEO and President Mitchell Katz, assistant MDs, “NYC Health and Hospitals/Elmhurst is a trusted, community-focused center for quality care, and this expansion will add to women’s and children’s services. I want to thank Governor Hochul for his commitment to community hospitals. He understands how important they are to a community like Elmhurst.”
NYC Health and Hospitals / Elmhurst CEO Dr. Helen Arteaga-Landaverde said, “Governor Hochul’s historic allocation of $27.5 Million for the Women’s Pavilion and Pediatric ICU demonstrates his strong commitment to helping the women and children of New York, and I am deeply grateful for his support. This funding will help us reduce infant and maternal mortality, provide care for women at all stages of life, and ensure that we provide critical care to our young patients in their time of greatest need. Thank you Governor Hochul for investing in Elmhurst Hospital and giving us the resources to secure a better future for our community.”
Assembly member Catalina Cruz said, “Elmhurst Hospital never asks how or why; serves thousands of my neighbors efficiently and effectively regardless of their financial or ethnic background. In the worst of times, it has stood as a beacon of hope for those who often have no access to care. The Governor’s multi-million dollar investment in our Child Care Department and Women’s Pavilion is not just about funding; it is an affirmation of New York’s commitment to a community rich in cultural diversity but often economically marginalized. As a proud patient of the Women’s Pavilion at Elmhurst Hospital, I know firsthand the important role this facility plays in our daily health care, but especially for thousands of uninsured women throughout the Jackson Heights, Elmhurst and Corona. This investment ensures that more women and children in our community will receive the health care they deserve. I thank the Governor for his support and look forward to seeing the real impact of today’s announcement.”
Assembly member Steven Raga said, “Governor Hochul’s historic $27.5 million investment for Elmhurst Hospital will save lives in Queens. The Pediatric Intensive Care Unit will be critical to ensuring that the sickest children in our community are receive the appropriate medical care and support they need in their time of need, while the Women’s Health Pavilion will address the specific health care needs of women in general. This support from the Governor of We will make great strides in health care in our community, which was the epicenter of the COVID-19 crisis in the United States.”
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. he said “Elmhurst Hospital is the heartbeat of Northwest Queens and one of New York City’s most important areas of high-quality health care. The success of this community is directly related to the hospital’s success in delivering to families. seek its care. With this unprecedented investment in the center’s health outcomes for newborns and their parents – some of the patients the most vulnerable are treated there – along with children of all ages, many lives will be saved or improved in another way. I am very proud to partner with Governor Hochul in such an investment and thank all health heroes of Elmhurst Hospital for their dedication.”
New York’s Maternity Pay begins January 1
By ordering a separate sick leave bank for maternity care, Governor Hochul ensured that New York goes further than any other state to ensure that pregnant women can get the health care they need. producing healthy outcomes for both parent and child without jeopardizing work.
When the policy takes effect on January 1, 2025, employees will receive an additional 20 hours of paid maternity leave in addition to existing sick leave.
This initiative builds on Governor Hochul’s early actions to support new parents and improve maternal health outcomes. The proposed FY 2024 Budget established 12 weeks of paid parental leave benefits for more than 80 percent of state employees and extended postpartum coverage to a full year for Medicaid and Child Enrollees Health Plus.
Expanding Access to Doulas to Promote Healthy Maternal Health
In June, New York State passed a statewide mandate for doula services, expanding access for all birth parents. The standing order — secured by Governor Hochul in the FY 2025 Adopted Budget — will allow more New Yorkers to receive doula care because a referral is required for doula services in order to qualify. Medicaid coverage. This stand-up serves as a recommendation. The standing order will make it easier for birth parents enrolled in other health plans to receive doula care. Doulas provide physical, emotional, educational and non-medical support for pregnant and postpartum people before, during and after birth.
As of March 1, 2024, New York State Medicaid provides doula services for pregnant, labor and postpartum doulas. To support access to services, the Department maintains a directory of doulas who are registered to provide covered services to Medicaid members, according to legislation signed last year by Governor Hochul.
Strengthening New York’s Health Workforce
In addition to expanding resources for patients, Governor Hochul has invested in growing and strengthening New York’s health care workforce. This week the Governor announced that New York State has paid more than $2 billion in bonuses to more than 800,000 workers through the Health Care Worker Bonus Program. This program was initiated by the Governor in 2022 and provides bonuses of up to $3,000 for eligible employees, including many primary health and mental health physicians, technicians, assistants, support staff and helpers.
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