The New York City Health Department announced the reopening of the Family Wellness Suites at its Neighborhood Health Action Centers — offer birthing people and their families a comfortable, safe and welcoming environment where families can participate in a wide variety of parenting and birthing classes, connect with community resources as well as receive critical childcare supplies like car seats.
“When families do well, our city does better,” said Mayor Eric Adams. “That’s why our administration is committed to ensuring that all new parents have the tools and support they need to take care of themselves and our youngest New Yorkers. Family Wellness Suites give parents-to-be the skills they need to thrive on their journey and I’m thrilled that we are reopening these suites to serve families across the city.”
The reopening also takes place during Black Maternity Health Week, with the NYC Health Department hosting a series of community events at Neighborhood Health Action Centers in Brownsville, East Harlem, and East Tremont.
Activities during the reopening event include Meet the Doulas, Respectful Care at Birth; Breastfeeding 101; Mommy & Me Yoga; Childbirth Education; and Read Aloud with the Public Library. To find out the location of the Neighborhood Health Action Centers and how to register, click here.
The Family Wellness Suites paused their services in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but were able to transition to online workshops and expanded services like emergency diaper distribution.
“By resuming in-person services, the Family Wellness Suites are providing a range of resources that are vital to empowering families to provide the strongest start for their babies before and after their birth.” said Dr. Michelle Morse, Health Department Chief Medical Officer and Deputy Commissioner for the Center for Health Equity and Community Wellness. “These services are necessary to meet the needs and ensure healthy conditions and environments for families who live in communities that have been marginalized and disinvested.”
The Family Wellness Suites are part of the City’s plan to reduce maternal and infant health inequities due to race. In New York City, from 2001-2018, Black birthing people were on average 9.4 times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related death compared to White birthing people. In 2019, Black birthing people also experienced a rate of infant mortality 3.3 times higher than their White counterparts.
Mayor Adams announced last month the expansion of programs and resources to address disparities in maternal and infant death, with the Health Department also offering programs like the Citywide Doula Initiative, New Family Home Visits and The Nurse-Family Partnership to promote healthy pregnancies and reproductive health all in order to ensure safe and equitable treatment for birthing people.
