Queens, New York City, is known for being the most linguistically diverse borough in the United States, with a population of 2.2 million people, surpassing many cities across the country. However, it is unfortunate that there has yet to be a comprehensive public maternal and child health center in the entire borough.
This situation is set to change after August 14, as Governor Hochu announced that the state government will invest $27.5 million in Elmhurst Hospital to expand its existing maternal and child health care system by twofold.
The governor made this investment announcement at Elmhurst Hospital on Wednesday (August 14). The new investment will also go towards constructing a pediatric intensive care unit (ICU). Additionally, the governor emphasized that New York State’s pioneering paid parental leave policy will take effect on January 1 next year.
“Our investment will provide better healthcare for moms and children throughout the Queens community,” Hochu stated. “As New York State’s first mom governor, addressing the crisis of maternal mortality is a personal matter for me. Whether it’s investing in maternal health resources, ensuring the nation’s first paid parental leave, or increasing access to doula services, I will never cease efforts to ensure the safety and health of all moms in the state.”
Helen Arteaga-Landaverde, the CEO of Elmhurst Hospital, was visibly moved and tearful on site. She noted that Queens has the highest birth rate in the city and, due to the lack of a pediatric ICU in the past, 600 children were transferred for treatment last year alone, imposing a burden on many low-income families.
“We are grateful for Governor Hochu’s support as she historically invests $27.5 million in our OB/GYN and pediatric ICUs, demonstrating her steadfast commitment to women and children in New York State,” Arteaga-Landaverde said. “This funding will help us reduce infant and maternal mortality rates, provide care for women at all stages of pregnancy, and ensure critical care for our smallest patients when they need it most.”
Elmhurst Hospital primarily serves the Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, and Corona areas, with 1.1 million visits last year, including 65,000 female patients.
Of the $20 million in this investment, $2.75 million will expand the hospital’s OB/GYN unit from 16,000 to 35,000 square feet and add three new floors. The expanded obstetrics department will provide a range of new resources, including pelvic floor disease, gynecologic cancer and breast health care, as well as postpartum depression and anxiety mental health counseling services. The new equipment in the obstetrics department will include state-of-the-art ultrasound machines, ultrasound devices, and breast X-ray machines.
The remaining $7.5 million investment will be used to build a new 1,500 square feet pediatric ICU.
In the announcement on Wednesday, the governor also emphasized that New York State’s groundbreaking paid parental leave policy will go into effect on January 1, 2025. Employers will be required to provide an additional 20 hours of paid leave for pregnant employees for prenatal care appointments.