NYC Health + Hospitals has received a significant boost in funding, awarded $10.7 million by the New York State Abortion Access Program. This financial support is aimed at expanding abortion care services across the health system’s 11 hospitals over the next three years. The initiative is part of a broader effort to improve access to essential reproductive health services in New York.
Investment in Comprehensive Care
The allocated funds will be utilized for several critical enhancements. This includes hiring additional healthcare providers and patient navigators, purchasing necessary equipment and supplies, and expanding access to abortion doulas. Furthermore, the funding will provide financial support for patients seeking abortion services. In 2024, NYC Health + Hospitals reported that it facilitated over 6,000 abortions, highlighting the demand for such services.
Currently, NYC Health + Hospitals offers both medication and procedural abortions through its hospital-based clinics. Additionally, the health system provides telehealth options via the Virtual ExpressCare platform, allowing patients to access care remotely. This program is integral for individuals seeking timely assistance while maintaining their privacy.
Telehealth Services and Accessibility
The telehealth program connects New Yorkers seeking abortion care with licensed clinicians through phone or video consultations. These sessions provide assessment, counseling, and, if eligible, medication. The service is available daily from 09:00 to 21:00, and it accommodates over 200 languages. Interested patients can access the service at expresscare.nyc or by calling 1-718-360-8981.
Dr. Marisa Nadas, Director of Complex Family Planning at NYC Health + Hospitals, expressed her gratitude towards the state’s leadership. “I am thrilled that Governor Kathy Hochul and other state-level leadership have chosen to continue to put resources toward this essential healthcare service,” Dr. Nadas stated. “Abortion care is vital to New Yorkers having agency over their lives and reaching their full potential. When people have control over their futures, we all benefit.”
This funding marks a pivotal step in ensuring that abortion care remains accessible to all New Yorkers, reinforcing the state’s commitment to reproductive health rights. As the demand for these services continues to grow, NYC Health + Hospitals is poised to meet the needs of its community effectively.
