HITN has taken a crucial step forward in addressing the unique challenges faced by women of color throughout the critical 92-week period encompassing prenatal care to postpartum transition.
With generous support from the Robin Hood Foundation, the newly unveiled ’92 Weeks to a Great Start in Life’ initiative underscores HITN’s commitment to fostering positive health outcomes for expectant mothers and laying a strong foundation for the well-being of newborns.
Co-sponsored by NYS Assemblywoman Maritza Davila, the program has emerged as a collaborative effort, receiving vital support from prestigious institutions including Wyckoff Heights Medical Center and NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull.
Michael D. Nieves, President and CEO of HITN, kicked off the event by underscoring the profound significance of narrowing the health disparity gap among pregnant women, with a specific focus on the Hispanic immigrant community. Nieves asserted that the launch of the 92 Weeks initiative marks a milestone in the organization’s ongoing commitment to advocating for equitable healthcare.
The program’s unveiling gathered an engaged audience of expectant families, all eager to access vital insights from a distinguished panel of specialists. Among the speakers were Kelvin Chan, Executive Director of Black Family Philanthropies; Cynthia Lynch, Interim Director of Midwifery at Woodhull Hospital; Maryann Marrapodi, Chief Learning and Development Officer at HITN; Egondu Onuoha, Vice President of Real Estate and Special Programs at the Brooklyn Hospital Center; Calvin E. Thomas, Deputy Chief of Obstetrics at NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull; and Jorge Venegas, Director of Labor & Delivery at Wyckoff Hospital.
To end the presentation, HITN distributed educational books and toys to all attendees, recognizing the importance of nurturing early childhood development. Looking ahead, HITN’s is planning to replicate these panels across all five boroughs of New York City. By doing so, HITN will amplify its impact, reaching even more families in need of valuable information and support.
