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The Maternal Justice Coalition of Long Island
May 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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The CARE Act: S4583/A4879
New Hour's CARE (Compassion and Reproductive Equity Act), sponsored by Senator Salazar and Assemblywoman Kelles, establishes a comprehensive human rights-based statutory policy relating to incarcerated pregnant or postpartum individuals and their children in NYS and local correctional facilities.
The CARE Act:
- Requires comprehensive prenatal and reproductive care as well as adequate nutrition for pregnant incarcerated people.
- Ensures dignity in delivery where public health best practices are reflected for incarcerated birthing people.
- Ensures decreased infant mortality for babies born behind bars.
- Requires comprehensive postnatal care and nurturing safe spaces for parent-child bonding.
- Eliminates unjust separation of baby and mother while behind bars.
- Establishes nurseries in all NYS prisons and jails to keep moms and babies together
Take Action Today, visit the following links to learn more and take action:
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Congressional Sign On Letter: Protect the Federal Funding of Maternal Health Programs
The Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance (MMHLA) has drafted a letter to the Congressional Chairs and Ranking Members of Senate and House Appropriations Committees about the proposed cuts to offices, programs, and staff that would negatively impact maternal health as outlined in the:
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May 2, 2025 proposed Federal Budget for Fiscal Year 2026 as put forth by the Executive Office of the President, Office of Management and Budget
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March 27, 2025 press release from the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
Together, these changes have the potential to undo years of bipartisan progress in maternal and infant health and threaten to rollback the research that improves our understanding of the causes and circumstances behind our nation’s high maternal mortality rate.
This letter has two objectives:
- Educate leaders in Congress about the programs and offices at risk and the potential negative impact on infant and maternal mortality.
- Request that Congress prioritize long-term investment in the health and wellbeing of our nation’s families by funding evidence-based programs and public health initiatives that support mothers and infants.
READ THE LETTER
You can read the Congressional Sign-On Letter HERE. Sign on to the letter by Sunday, May 11. You can sign on HERE.
QUESTIONS
Contact Jamie Belsito, MMHLA Founder and Director of Policy, at: jbelsito@mmhla.org.
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HEALI Social Care Network
The Health and Welfare Council of Long Island launched the HEALI Social Care Network in January 2025. The HEALI Social Care Network aims to improve health outcomes for Medicaid members by addressing Health-Related Social Needs (HRSNs)—such as food insecurity, housing instability, and lack of transportation—through a coordinated and community-based approach. Take the opportunity to find out more information about HEALI and the resources available for Medicaid members.
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Doula Coverage for Medicaid Members
New York State Medicaid now offers a comprehensive benefit for doula services, providing physical, emotional, educational, and non-medical support for pregnant and postpartum individuals. Medicaid members can receive up to 8 doula visits during and after pregnancy, as well as continuous labor support during childbirth, at no cost.
Doulas assist with developing birth plans, offering patient-centered advocacy, facilitating communication with medical providers, and connecting families to community resources. This support extends through the perinatal, childbirth, postpartum, and newborn periods, including situations like abortion, miscarriage, and stillbirth. Medicaid-enrolled doulas are reimbursed for their services, ensuring accessible care for all eligible members. Learn more about this valuable benefit at health.ny.gov/doula.
Are you interested in becoming a Medicaid-reimbursable Doula? If so, please reach out to Randalle Lewis, HWCLI's Advocacy and Coalition Manager for more information at rlewis@hwcli.com
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Introducing Doula Notes: A New Platform Supporting Doulas and Birth Equity
HWCLI is proud to announce the launch of Doula Notes, a first-of-its-kind web-based platform. Developed in collaboration with KratosDP. Doula Notes is designed specifically to support doulas serving Long Island within Medicaid Managed Care Organizations by reducing administrative burdens, improving care coordination, and ultimately advancing birth equity across New York State. The platform offers a secure, streamlined way for doulas to track appointments, birth outcomes, and client data—all in one place—allowing them to spend less time on paperwork and more time providing compassionate, continuous care to the families they serve. Doula Notes is more than just an app—it’s an investment in maternal justice and a step forward in building equitable health infrastructure.
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FREE Resources for New or Expecting Mothers
Harmony Healthcare Long Island, in partnership with Women’s Diversity Network and Hofstra University School of Health Professions and Human Services, offers free support services for those who are currently pregnant or have recently had a baby.
Services include connections to community resources and support (such as food, baby items, and diapers), educational workshops, developing birth and postpartum plans, securing health insurance, finding a doctor and transportation, support groups, nutrition and parenting classes, and connection to doula services. Services are available in Spanish and Haitian Creole. For appointments, call (516) 396-0389 or email PICH@harmonyhealthcareli.org. Visit www.harmonyhealthcareli.org/pichc/ for more information. You are not alone!
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FREE Childbirth and Doula Workshop
Join Harmony Healthcare Long Island for their Harmony Pregnancy, Birth & Beyond Perinatal and Infant Community Health Collaborative free childbirth and doula workshop at Harmony Healthcare LI Westbury Clinic. This workshop is held every 4th Wednesday from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM at 682 Union Ave, Westbury, NY 11590.
This informative session covers healthy pregnancy tips, practical and physical skills for labor, natural comfort measures to ease childbirth pain, postpartum care, breastfeeding information, and doula services. Don't miss this opportunity to begin your birth journey with expert guidance and support.
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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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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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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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The Postpartum Resource Center of New York
Are you a new or expecting parent on Long Island? You’re not alone. The Postpartum Resource Center of New York offers free and confidential support for families navigating pregnancy and postpartum mental health challenges.
Services include:
✔️ Peer support
✔️ Helpline assistance
✔️ Local mental health resources
✔️ Family education
✔️ Culturally responsive support
Learn more about postpartum mental health services on Long Island at:
🔗 postpartumny.org/longisland
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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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Nassau County Perinatal Services Network's Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders Task Force
Are you pregnant or have you had a baby in the past year? Have you been crying a lot? Feeling very tired? Not sleeping or sleeping too much? Have you been feeling overwhelmed? Irritable or angry? Anxious? Guilty or worthless? Do you sometimes have thoughts about yourself or your baby that make you worried or afraid? Do you know a mother-to-be or new mother struggling with issues like these? THERE IS HELP.
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Childbirth Educator Training
More often than not, all a laboring person needs to birth safely and joyfully is information, confidence and support. In this two day intensive childbirth education certification training you will learn, amongst many other things. Become a Childbirth Educator to help educate and support parents to be. Join Long Island Doula Association at their next Childbirth Educator Training on May 31st - June 1st in Commack. The cost/investment is $475. To register or learn more visit www.lidoulas.com or email trainings@lidoulas.com
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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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Next Maternal Justice Coalition Meeting on 5/27
Join us for our next Maternal Justice Coalition Meeting on Tuesday May 27th 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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Tomorrow 5/10: A Community Conversation, Mental Health Matters
The Suffolk County Multicultural Advisory Committee (SC MAC) is hosting a community mental health and substance use conversation, “Mental Health Matters”, tomorrow May 10th from 10:30am-12:30pm at the Mattituck Laurel Library.
This event will feature a presentation that educates attendees about basic signs to be aware of regarding mental health, a panel Q&A with East End organizations including Stony Brook Medicine, OLA of Eastern Long Island and Northwell Health South Oaks. Attendees will also get the opportunity to visit community resource tables and enjoy refreshments.
We are offering this program in both English and Spanish and are hoping to reach East End community members who are looking for help finding and navigating mental health services. We invite you to share this important event with your families, school employees, parishioners and constituents! This will be an open space to learn about mental health, substance use services, along with who the providers and resources are on the East End of Long Island.
Please contact the Suffolk County Office of Minority Health with any questions (P: 631-854-0378, E: omh@suffolkcountny.gov).
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5/13 Share Your Birth Story with the Suffolk County Maternal Morbidity and Mortality Task Force
We believe storytelling can drive systems change. Join the Suffolk County Maternal Morbidity and Mortality Task Force on May 13th at 6:30PM for a community forum where birthing people can safely and openly share their experiences. The event will be held at 725 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Hauppauge. The first five registrants will receive a thank-you gift. Organized by One Love Midwifery, this event aims to elevate lived experiences to inform policy, care, and outcomes in maternal health.
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5/31 Newborn Workshop
Happy and Healthy Pediatrics has partnered with Wendy Shulman, owner of The Roslyn Salt Cave, and Rachelle Bojer, owner of Lotus Physical Therapy, to create a brand new joint newborn workshop. Join them on Saturday, May 31, 2025, from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM at The Roslyn Salt Cave for a special workshop designed to support new and expecting parents. Dr. Elissa Rubin will lead a session on maximizing the newborn experience, while Rachelle Bojer, MSPT, will discuss preparing your body for birth, addressing pelvic floor issues postpartum, and tips for easier healing.
This free workshop is open to both patients and non-patients of the practice, welcoming new parents (with babies up to 6 months old) and expecting parents. Registration is required, and space is limited, so be sure to sign up soon. Babies are welcome! Dr. Rubin is excited to reconnect with parents and continue offering these valuable workshops regularly. Topics will include enjoying your newborn, minimizing anxiety, parenting with intention, building community, essential items for newborn care, and more. Don't miss this opportunity to learn and connect with other parents in a supportive environment.
| | 5/31: Roots, Resilience, and Restoration: A Women's Wellness Gathering | | |
Join the One Love Community Consortium, in collaboration with Women's Diversity Netwok, for an afternoon of healing, connection, and empowerment at Roots, Resilience & Restoration, a women’s wellness gathering dedicated to uplifting and nourishing women—especially women of color—through intentional community experiences. This event is more than just a gathering: it's a movement towards wellness, equity, and collective healing.
Happening on Saturday, May 31st from 3–7 PM at The Winston in Patchogue, this afternoon wellness gathering will bring together 50–60 women—many of them mothers, caregivers, birth workers, and community leaders—for a day of movement, healing, and holistic connection. There will be yoga, sound healing, an immersive dance experience, nourishing food, and wellness-based swag bags and resources.
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6/7: The Devoted Village: Pregnancy, Postpartum, and Beyond Collective
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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Your Story Matters: Research Participants Needed
Black Mothers, Your Story Matters! Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health is conducting a new study on motherhood, mental health, and postpartum experiences—and they want to hear from YOU.
👩🏾🍼 Are you a U.S.-born Black woman who:
✔️ Had your first baby in the last 24 months?
✔️ Works in public health?
✔️ Considers yourself middle class?
You may be eligible to participate in a 60–90 min interview (Zoom or in-person) + 1 short survey. You will recieve a $50 gift card for your time.
📝 Complete the screener here: https://bit.ly/mamahood25
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Black Womanhood Research Study
The University of Minnesota's Department of Psychology is conducting a research study focused on Black womanhood and Black women's mental well-being. They are seeking participants who are at least 18 years old, identify as Black, Caribbean, or African, speak English fluently, currently live in the United States, and identify as ciswomen.
The survey will take about 35 minutes to complete, and participants have a chance to receive a $20 Amazon gift card. Interested individuals can scan the QR code to complete a brief screener and the survey if eligible. For further questions, contact Vanessa Anyanso, MA at bwwstudy-anyan019@umn.edu. More information can be found at z.umn.edu/bwwstudy.
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May is Mental Health Awareness Month
May is Maternal Mental Health Month — and we all have a role to play in spreading awareness, breaking stigma, and connecting families to support. Download and share the official 2025 Toolkit from Postpartum Support International to raise your voice this May!
This free toolkit includes:
✅ Social media graphics
✅ Sample captions
✅ Awareness events
✅ Fact sheets and hashtags
✅ Tips for advocacy and outreach
Whether you're a parent, provider, advocate, or community leader—this is your chance to take action. Let’s amplify the message: You are not alone. Help is available. Healing is possible.
🔗 Share the toolkit: postpartum.net/maternal-mental-health-month-2025
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