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The Maternal Justice Coalition of Long Island
September 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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State of Women's Health on Long Island Conference
We're coming to the East End! Join HWCLI, WDN, and Harmony Health on November 15th at the Bridgehampton Child Care Center for a day of advocacy, learning and understanding Women's Health. We will discuss health issues such as Maternal Morbidity and Mortality, Cancer, Alzheimer's, Mental Health, and so much more. There will be speakers, panel discussions and Q&A. Lunch will be provided. Click here to register now!
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Senate Bill S6496/Assembly Bill A7760
Information about the bill:
- Requires any hospital that provides birthing services to provide written, educational material containing information about premature, newborn infants
- Currently in committee
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Assembly Bill A4879A
Information about the bill:
- Relates to the health, safety and human rights of incarcerated pregnant individuals, incarcerated birthing parents of children and their children
- Currently in assembly committee
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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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Connect With A Doula
The Health and Welfare Council of Long Island can connect you with a doula- whether you have Medicaid or are paying privately. Scan the QR code to complete a short consultation form and get matched with a doula today!
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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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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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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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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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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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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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Maternal Health Community Listening Session
Calling all Birthing Persons, Community Care Workers, and Maternal Health Advocates! Please join the Suffolk County Maternal Morbidity and Mortality Task Force on October 14th from 6:30-8:30 at the Suffolk County Legislature Building for an evening on sharing thoughts, education, experiences and concerns with the community. For more information, please call 631-854-1111. To submit written testimony, email InfoDO15@suffolkcountyny.gov.
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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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Smart Suffolk Boss Babies
A no-cost, in home program serving the Wyandanch and Bellport communities. Serving mothers in their 3rd trimester and families with children under 2.5 years old. Call or email to learn more and sign up 631-854-0378 / smartstartsuffolk@suffolkcountyny.gov
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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 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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Circle of Caring
Join Northwell South Shore University Hospital's 8-week Postpartum Depression Support Group. Scan the QR code if you are interested in attending! If you have questions, email Marie at mkeogh2@northwell.edu or call 631-894-5282.
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Film Screening and Panel
Behind The Joy will be showing on October 11th at CUNY York College. The movie is a powerful story that shines a light on postpartum depression and it's impact.
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Think Pink!
Please join Witness Project of Long Island and Suffolk County Dept. of Health Services’ Office of Minority Health on October 11th from 11am-3pm at the Wyandanch Senior Nutrition Center for a day of fun, education and learning about ways to improve and manage your health. Lunch will be provided.
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Community Health Fair
You are invited to attend a Community Health Expo on October 19th from 12pm-4pm at Ebenezer SDA Church (97 Broadway, Freeport NY 11520) for FREE health check ups and screenings, exercise, games, giveaways and more!
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4th Annual Breast Cancer Awareness EXPO
Hosted on October 18th from 10am-3pm at 551 Bridgehampton Sag-Harbor Turnpike to learn about local resources for patients, survivors and families. There will be keynote speakers, specialized sessions, prizes, and more. Lunch will be provided. Click here to register now.
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Pregnancy and Infant Feeding Workshops
Join EFNEP and Cornell Cooperative Extension Suffolk County on Tuesday's October 27, November 3, 10 and 24, and December 1 and 8 virtually to learn and understand how to pump and store breastmilk, explore breastfeeding positions, get tips for feeding, and so much more!
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Next Maternal Justice Coalition Meeting on 10/28
Join us for our next Maternal Justice Coalition Meeting on Tuesday October 28th at 11AM. If you do not have the invitation please reach out to maternalhealth@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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New Study: The Role of Doulas in Identifying Symptoms of Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders and Providing Referrals to Mental Health Services
Are you a practicing doula? You are invited to participate in a research study focused on the training and work experiences of Doulas regarding Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs). The study aims to gain insights into the practices and experiences of doulas in addressing PMADs. Your perspective as a practitioner could significantly contribute to the advancement of knowledge and improving care in this important area.
📝Scan the QR code or click the button below to fill out the survey
If you have questions please contact Liat Shklarski at LS1185@HUNTER.CUNY.EDU
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