“New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James MacDonald said: “This is a critical investment in the health of birthing people, children and our Queens communities. Birthing people deserve to have services that enable a safe and empowering birth experience. This is also a critical investment for seriously injured or seriously ill children, who and their families and loved ones deserve to receive compassionate, high-quality, community-based care.”
With the assistance of NYC Health & Hospitals CEO and President Mitchell Katz, MD; “NYC Health & Hospitals/Elmhurst is a trusted community hub providing quality medical care, and this expansion will further expand our services to women and children. We thank Governor Hokul for his commitment to our public hospital; he understands how essential our public hospital is to communities like Elmhurst.”
“We are thrilled to be working with NYC Health & Hospitals/Elmhurst to bring this new level of care to the nation,” said Dr. Helen Arteaga Landaverde, CEO of NYC Health & Hospitals/Elmhurst. “Governor Hockal’s historic allocation of $27.5 million for our women’s ward and pediatric intensive care unit demonstrates her strong commitment to helping the women and children of New York State, and we are deeply grateful for her support. This funding will help reduce infant and maternal mortality, provide care to women at all stages of life, and ensure that critical care is available to our youngest patients when they need it most. We thank Governor Hockal for investing in Elmhurst Hospital and providing the resources to ensure a healthy and thriving future for our community.”
Senator Catalina Cruz said: “Elmhurst Hospital never stops asking why or how. It effectively and efficiently serves thousands of our neighbors, regardless of economic or ethnic background. During the worst of times, the hospital has been a beacon of hope for those with little to no access to health care. The Governor’s investment of millions of dollars in our pediatric care unit and women’s ward is more than just an infusion of funds; it affirms New York’s commitment to our culturally diverse, yet often economically marginalized, community. As a proud patient in the women’s ward at Elmhurst Hospital, I know firsthand the vital role this facility plays in our daily healthcare, especially for the thousands of uninsured women in Jackson Heights, Elmhurst and Corona. This investment will ensure more women and children in our community have access to the quality healthcare they deserve. I appreciate the Governor’s support and look forward to seeing what real-world impact today’s announcement will have.”
Councilman Steven Raga said: “Governor Hockle’s historic $27.5 million investment in Elmhurst Hospital will save lives in Queens. The pediatric intensive care unit is essential to ensure seriously ill children in our community receive the proper medical care and support they need when they are at their most vulnerable, while the Women’s Health Pavilion will address the specific medical needs of women in an inclusive and supportive environment. This support from our Governor will mark a major advancement in health care services in our community, which has been the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States.”
“We are thrilled to welcome this important milestone to the city of Queens,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “Elmhurst Hospital is the heart of northwest Queens and one of New York City’s most important high-quality medical centers. The success of this region is directly tied to the hospital’s success in providing care to families who seek it. Countless lives will be saved or improved by this unprecedented investment in the facility’s ability to provide the best medical outcomes for newborns and their parents — some of the most vulnerable patients treated there — and children of all ages. I am incredibly proud to partner with Governor Hokul on this investment and thank all of the medical heroes at Elmhurst Hospital for their sacrifices.”
New York State’s paid maternity leave begins January 1st
By mandating a separate sick leave bank for prenatal care, Governor Hawkle has ensured that New York State goes further than any other state to ensure that pregnant individuals can receive the medical care necessary for the health of parent and child without putting their employment at risk.
When the policy goes into effect on January 1, 2025, employees will be able to receive an additional 20 hours of paid sick leave for prenatal care, in addition to their existing sick leave.
This initiative builds on Governor Hokul’s previous work to support new parents and improve maternal health outcomes, including in the FY 2024 budget, which established 12 weeks of paid parental leave benefits for more than 80 percent of state employees and extended postpartum coverage by up to one year for Medicaid and Child Health Plus enrollees.
Expanding access to doulas to promote maternal health
In June, New York Statewide Standing Order for Doula Servicesexpanding access to all birthing parents. The standing orders secured by Governor Hochle in the FY 2025 budget will allow more New Yorkers to access doula care because Medicaid requires a recommendation for doula services to be covered. This standing order serves as that recommendation. This standing order will also make doula care more accessible to birthing parents who have other health insurance. Doulas provide physical, emotional, educational and non-medical support to pregnant women and postpartum individuals before, during and after birth.
As of March 1, 2024, New York State Does Medicaid cover doula services? Services for pregnant, birthing and postpartum women. To support access to services, the Ministry Doula Directory Following legislation signed by Governor Hockal last year, it is registered to provide covered services to Medicaid enrollees.
Strengthening New York’s Healthcare Workforce
In addition to expanding resources for patients, Governor Hockle has also invested in increasing and strengthening New York State’s healthcare workforce. This week, the Governor announced that New York State has paid out more than $2 billion in bonuses to more than 800,000 workers through the Healthcare Worker Bonus Program. The program, launched by the Governor in 2022, will provide bonuses of up to $3,000 to eligible workers, including frontline healthcare and mental health workers, technicians, assistants, support staff and caregivers.
