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The Maternal Justice Coalition of Long Island
March 2025 E-Newsletter
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Welcome to the latest edition of the Maternal Justice Coalition of Long Island newsletter! This publication is a collaboration between the Health & Welfare Council of Long Island (HWCLI) and the Women's Diversity Network, bringing you important updates and insights to support maternal health and justice across Long Island. In this issue, we are excited to highlight three key sections:
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Advocacy & Legislation: Latest policy changes and legislative efforts
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Resources: Find valuable tools and services
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Events: Discover upcoming workshops, webinars, and events
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Doula Access:
New York Senate Bill S5992A, sponsored by Senator Roxanne J. Persaud, represents a significant step forward in maternal health care. This bill, signed into law by Governor Hochul on December 11, 2024, aims to improve the support system for expecting and new mothers by ensuring they have access to doulas throughout their maternity care journey. To learn more about this legislation, click here.
Paid Prenatal Leave:
In a groundbreaking move, Governor Kathy Hochul has signed the Paid Prenatal Leave Law, making New York the first state in the United States to offer paid time off specifically for prenatal care. This landmark legislation, which took effect on January 1, 2025, provides pregnant employees with an additional 20 hours of paid leave for prenatal medical appointments. To learn more about this legislation, click here.
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HWCLI and WDN need your help spreading the word!
Help us ensure that birthing persons are aware of these vital pieces of legislation by sharing with your network across all social media platforms. Click here to access a social media kit including pre-made social media captions and graphics.
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Maternal Health Resources | |
Salud Mental Perinatal 101 (complementario) Presentado en Español
Conozca los diversos trastornos de salud mental materna, las diferencias entre ellos, los factores de riesgo y las opciones de tratamiento. El curso está diseñado para proveedores, administradores y empleados de salud pública, aunque todos son bienvenidos. Las CEU/CME no están disponibles para este evento.
Para registrar se:
https://policycentermmh.org/event/salud-mental-perinatal-101-complementario-presentado-en-espanol/
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Babylon Lactation Clinic
Good Samaritan University Hospital has opened the St. Anne Outpatient Lactation Clinic in Babylon to provide breastfeeding support for new mothers after hospital discharge. The clinic, located at the Catholic Health Physician Partners Pediatric Specialty Care Center, offers educational, clinical, and emotional support to improve maternal and infant health. Funded by a $100,000 grant from the John C. Dunphy Private Foundation, the initiative addresses a critical need for postpartum lactation care. To learn more visit:
https://www.catholichealthli.org/news/good-samaritan-university-hospital-opens-new-lactation-clinic-babylon
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Stonybrook Doula Program
Stony Brook department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, in collaboration with Long Island Doula Association (LIDA), is looking for trained and certified birth doulas to join their new project in supporting hospital clients through their prenatal, birth, and postpartum time. Click here to learn more about the program. Their next meeting will be held on March 24th at 7PM. Click here to register.
Stony Brook is also hiring and in search of a Education Specialist to assist as a childbirth educator and a doula program coordinator. Click here to learn more about the position and to apply today!
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Suffolk County Department of Health FREE Perinatal Health Services
Are you pregnant or a new parent? The Suffolk County Department of Health Services provides free and confidential perinatal health services to support a healthy pregnancy, baby, and family in Babylon, Brookhaven, Islip, and Riverhead Townships. Services include home-visiting case management, assistance with medical care, insurance, and community resources, individual and family wellness assessments, and education on pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive health, and newborn care. For more information, call 631-854-4023 or visit healthybabyandme.org. Bilingual support is available, and the flyer is also offered in Spanish (“Programa de Servicios de Salud Perinatal”) to ensure accessibility. Click here to view the flyer.
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Childbirth and Postpartum Education Classes
Voulez-Vous a Doula and More is now offering childbirth and postpartum education classes. The program provides professional, evidence-based education and support, including Childbirth/Lamaze Education, Lactation Consultation, Labor and Delivery Support, and Postpartum and Newborn Care Education.
Classes are held on Thursdays from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM and Saturdays from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Kennedy Memorial Park Recreation Center, located at 335 Greenwich Street, Hempstead, NY 11550. Click here to learn more.
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Dad's Support Circle
The Dad’s Support Circles provide a supportive space for new fathers and fathers-to-be as they prepare for parenthood. Participants will explore their roles and responsibilities during and after pregnancy, share their experiences in a nonjudgmental environment, discuss the emotional aspects of fatherhood, and build confidence in their parenting journey. Hosted virtually on Zoom, this program is organized by Harmony Healthcare Long Island, Women's Diversity Network, and Hofstra University. To register, email cburnett@womensdiversitynetwork.org.
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Doula Classes and Trainings
Do you want to become a doula? Training scholarships are available! There is an upcoming training being hosted from May 2-4 in Lake Grove, NY, sponsored by SUNY Stony Brook. Click here to learn more!
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The Long Island Doula Association (LIDA) is hosting several upcoming trainings.
Join LIDA for a Birth Doula Training on March 8th and 9th (Must attend both days) from 9AM-5PM in Commack. The cost/investment is $475. To register visit www.lidoulas.com or email trainings@lidoulas.com
Join LIDA for a Postpartum Doula Training event on March 29-30, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM in Commack. The cost/investment is $475. To register visit www.lidoulas.com or contact info@lidoulas.com.
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Support Circle for Black Moms
The Support Circle for Black Moms is a nurturing community designed to help new Black mothers navigate the joys and challenges of postpartum life. This program offers a safe space to connect with other new moms, share experiences, receive practical advice, and gain emotional support. Organized by Harmony Healthcare Long Island, Women's Diversity Network, and Hofstra University, the initiative aims to foster a supportive environment for Black mothers. For more information or to sign up, contact cburnett@womensdiversitynetwork.org.
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Pregnancy Support Circles
Are you black and pregnant, or thinking about having a child? Join the Pregnancy Support Circles, a free, safe space to share your pregnancy journey. Hosted by Harmony Healthcare Long Island in partnership with Women’s Diversity Network and Hofstra University, this group offers supportive discussions, expert advice from doctors, midwives, and doulas, and education through storytelling to help you advocate for yourself and your family. Learn more at bit.ly/womensupportcircle.
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Next Maternal Justice Coalition Meeting on 3/25
Join us for our next Maternal Justice Coalition Meeting on Tuesday March 25th at 11AM. If you do not have the invitation please reach out to rlewis@hwcli.com or CBurnett@womensdiversitynetwork.org. Our discussion will include Equitable Access to Doula, Midwifery, & Lactation Services, Education & Legislative Advocacy, Mental Health Screenings for Birth Workers, Safe Spaces for Black Women, and Perinatal and Postpartum Kits.
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Suffolk County Maternal Morbidity & Mortality Task Force 3/12 Listening Session
Suffolk County Maternal Morbidity and Mortality Task Force is hosting a Listening Session to improve maternal healthcare, particularly for women of color. The event invites residents, medical professionals, students, doulas, midwives, civic and faith-based organizations, and elected officials to share their input on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, from 6:30 to 8:30 PM at the Suffolk County Legislature, William H. Rogers Building, 725 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Smithtown. For more information, call 631-854-1111 or email InfoDO15@suffolkcountyny.gov. A QR code is included for additional details, and all are welcome.
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3/14 Wyandanch Health & Resource Fair
Save the date for the Wyandanch Health & Resource Fair, a community event offering free health screenings, wellness tips, and essential resources to support overall well-being. The fair will take place on Friday, March 14, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the The Family Life Center 20 Andrews Ave. Wyandanch, NY 11798. For more information, contact the Suffolk County Department of Health Services (SCDHS) Office of Minority Health at 631-854-0378 or OMH@suffolkcountyny.gov. To ensure accessibility for diverse communities, the flyer is also available in Spanish (“Feria de Salud y Recursos”) and Haitian Creole (“Sante ak Resous Fair”). Stay tuned for details on the Perinatal Health Services Program, which offers free and confidential support for expectant and new parents.
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National Doula Day
Join Precious Wholeness Counseling on March 22nd as they celebration National Doula Day from 12PM-2PM. This special event is about uplifting doulas and showing gratitude. The event will be hosted at the Long Island Marriot in Uniondale. To register click here. For more information email ardoc2025@gmail.com.
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Baby Celebration Event
Join partners in Maternal Health for a Baby Celebration on Saturday April 5th at 11AM. This joyful gathering is dedicated to welcoming and supporting pregnant women and families with young children in Nassau County. The event will be held at Hofstra University's David S. Mack Student Center (200 Hofstra University, Hempstead NY). Click here to register now.
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Women's Diversity Network Diversity Summit
The Women’s Diversity Network will hold its eighth annual Summit on Saturday April 26th (8AM-5PM). This day-long event will include workshops, panels, and presentations on a variety of diversity-related topics. Throughout the day, there will also be multicultural performances as well as a luncheon that reflects the diversity of the day.
Registration and Breakfast start at 8:00 AM. The Summit will take place at the College Center Building, located on the Nassau Community College campus. Park in the WEST 4B Student Lot. To enter onto the West Campus, take Earle Ovington Blvd. to the end. Earle Ovington Blvd. terminates in the Nassau Community College Parking Lot.
Tickets can be purchased by clicking here. Tickets are non-refundable but are transferable. All registrants will receive an email before the event with event details, location, and directions.
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Suffolk Baby Shower Program
Expecting parents are invited to the Suffolk Baby Shower Program, which provides education on safe sleep for babies, nutrition and breastfeeding, and recognizing important signs and symptoms before and after birth. The event will take place on three dates at different locations: April 24, 2025 (time TBA) at the Wyandanch Fire Department in Wyandanch, NY; June 25, 2025, from 10:30 AM to 1 PM at the South Country Library in Bellport, NY; and November 15, 2025 (time TBA) at the Child Care & Rec Center in Bridgehampton, NY. Organizations interested in assisting or registering can contact the Suffolk County Department of Health Services (SCDHS) Office of Minority Health at 631-854-0378 or OMH@suffolkcountyny.gov.
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Behind the Joy: A Story about Postpartum In Theaters 3/14 | | | | |
