CITY OFFICIALS URGE NEW YORKERS TO STAY SAFE DURING TUESDAY’S HEAT ADVISORY

 

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory from 10 A.M. until 8 P.M. Tuesday, July 8 

  

Cooling centers will be open across the city 

  

To find the nearest location, including hours of operation, call 311 or visit the City’s Cool Options Finder 

  

New Yorkers Encouraged to Seek Air-Conditioned Cool Options, including public spaces like NYC Cooling Centers, or private Cool Options like the homes of friends or family 

The New York City Emergency Management Department and the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene advise New Yorkers to take precautions to beat the heat. The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory from 10 A.M. to 8 P.M. on Tuesday, July 8. Hot and humid conditions are in the forecast with heat index values expected to approach or exceed 100°F, especially in the early afternoon. Showers and thunderstorms are also forecast, with the risk of heavy downpours and localized flash flooding during the afternoon and evening. Rainfall totals could reach one to two inches, with higher amounts possible in some areas. New Yorkers should use caution during the evening commute and avoid driving through flooded streets. 

  

“With dangerously high temperatures forecasted for tomorrow, we are urging all New Yorkers to take this heat seriously,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “Our teams are activating Cooling Centers across the city, conducting outreach to our most vulnerable residents, and making sure every resource is in place to keep people safe. We’re asking all New Yorkers to stay hydrated, limit time outdoors, and head to a Cooling Center if needed, and don’t forget to check in on older neighbors and family members. New York City has your back — together, we’ll get through this safely.” 

  

“New York City is fully prepared for this heat, and we are focused on keeping people safe,” said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol. “NYC Cooling Centers will be open, outreach teams are on the ground, and emergency plans are in place, but safety also depends on personal action. Use air conditioning or go to a NYC Cooling Center. Check on neighbors, friends, and family who may need help. Conserve energy by setting your air conditioner to a reasonable temperature and limiting appliance use during peak hours. These steps will help protect your health and keep the city running safely.” 

  

New Yorkers are urged to take steps to protect themselves and help others who may be at increased risk from the heat. For more information, including heat-related health tips and warning signs of heat illness, visit NYC.gov/health or NYC.gov/beattheheat. In New York City, most heat-related deaths occur after exposure to heat in homes without air conditioners. Air conditioning is the best way to stay safe and healthy when it is hot outside, but some people at risk of heat illness do not have or do not turn on an air conditioner. 

NYC Emergency Management has activated the City’s Heat Emergency Plan in response to this extreme heat event. The plan brings together agencies across the city to protect New Yorkers from heat-related risks. Key actions include opening NYC Cooling Centers, expanding outreach to people experiencing homelessness, increasing public information efforts, and monitoring health impacts in real time. Agencies are also identifying and assisting residents at highest risk, including older adults and people with chronic health conditions, through coordinated outreach and targeted alerts using the City’s Advanced Warning System (AWS). The plan also strengthens coordination with utilities, healthcare providers, and community organizations to reduce risks and protect public health during extreme heat. 

  

To help New Yorkers find relief from the heat, New York City Cooling Centers will be open throughout the five boroughs. Cooling center locations may have changed from last year. To find a cooling center, including accessible facilities closest to you, call 311 (212-639-9675 for Video Relay Service, or TTY: 212-504-4115) or visit the City's Cool Options Map. New Yorkers can now also find cooling centers that welcome pets throughout the five boroughs. As a reminder, service animals are always allowed at cooling centers. The map is now available around the clock and allows New Yorkers to easily locate cooling centers, which the City opens during heat emergencies, and Cool Options, which include free spaces that offer air-conditioned spaces to escape the heat. 

  

New Yorkers can access a range of outdoor cooling options, including spray showers, drinking fountains, and more. These resources can be found online at Cool It! NYC. Many of these resources are located in neighborhoods across New York City. NYC Parks’ outdoor Olympic and Intermediate-sized pools will stay open an extra hour, with swimming available from 11AM-3PM and 4PM-8PM. Many of these resources are located in neighborhoods across New York City. New York City outdoor pools are open 11AM-7PM. State Parks, including Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park pool and Roberto Clemente State Park pool are open, call ahead to confirm. 

  

During extreme weather emergencies, DHS outreach teams intensify around-the-clock efforts across the five boroughs, implementing best practices and health guidance as they engage New Yorkers experiencing unsheltered homelessness while encouraging them to access shelter and cooler settings. As part of these enhanced outreach efforts, DHS and provider outreach teams also offer water and other essentials while prioritizing the health and safety of vulnerable New Yorkers who are known to them. New Yorkers who see individuals they believe to be experiencing homelessness and in need should contact 311 via phone or mobile app and request outreach assistance. 

  

ADDITIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY TIPS DURING EXTREME HEAT 

  

•  Those most vulnerable to heat stress include adults aged 60 and older, and people with health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, mental health conditions, or people with cognitive impairment. Check on people who are at-risk and help them find a cool place to stay during heat events. 

•   Go to an air-conditioned location, even if for a few hours. 

•   Stay out of the sun and avoid extreme temperature changes.  

•   Avoid strenuous activity, especially during the sun’s peak hours: 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4:00 AM and 7:00 AM.  

•   Remember: drink water, rest, and locate shade if you are working outdoors or if your work is strenuous. Drink water every 15 minutes even if not thirsty (avoid beverages containing alcohol or caffeine), rest in the shade, and watch out for others on outdoor teams. 

•   Eat small, frequent meals. 

• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. 

•   Participate in activities to keep cool, such as going to the movies, visiting museums, walking in an air-conditioned mall, or swimming at an outdoor pool or beach.  

•   Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens and, in apartments where children live, window guards. Air conditioners in buildings more than six stories must be installed with brackets so they are secured and cannot fall on someone below. 

•   Never leave a child or pets in the vehicle, even for a few minutes.  

  

WORKING SAFELY IN EXTREME HEAT 

  

If working outdoors during extreme heat: 

  

•   Employers must provide water, rest, and shade. 

•   Use the buddy system to watch for signs of heat illness in yourself and coworkers. 

•   Drink water every 15 to 20 minutes, even if you are not thirsty, and take regular breaks in shaded or cool areas. 

•   Reschedule or limit strenuous work during peak heat hours (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.). 

•   Wear light, loose-fitting clothing to help stay cool. 

•   Apply sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher and reapply as needed. 

 

KNOW THE WARNING SIGNS OF HEAT ILLNESS 

  

Call 911 immediately if you or someone you know has: 

  

•   Hot dry skin 

•   Trouble breathing 

•   Rapid heartbeat 

•   Confusion, disorientation, or dizziness 

•   Nausea and vomiting 

  

If you or someone you know feels weak or faint, go to a cool place and drink water. If there is no improvement, call a doctor or 911. 

  

KEEPING YOUR PETS SAFE 

  

•   Avoid dehydration: Pets can dehydrate quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water. 

•   Walk your dog in the morning and evening: When the temperature is very high, do not let your dog linger on hot asphalt. Your pet’s body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn. 

•   Know when your pet is in danger: Symptoms of overheating in pets include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, unresponsiveness, or even collapse. 

  

IMPROPER FIRE HYDRANT USE 

  

Improperly opened fire hydrants waste over 1,000 gallons of water per minute and lower pressure needed to fight fires. New Yorkers who want to cool off in fire hydrants are asked to use a city-issued spray cap to reduce output to 25 gallons per minute. Residents 18 and older can request a spray cap at their local firehouse. 

  

ENERGY-SAVING TIPS 

  

During periods of intense electrical usage, such as on hot, humid days, it is important to conserve energy as much as possible to avoid brownouts and other electrical disruptions. While diminishing your power usage may seem inconvenient, your cooperation will help to ensure that utility providers are able to provide uninterrupted electrical service to you and your neighbors, particularly those who use electric powered medical equipment or are at risk of heat-related illness and death: 

  

•   Set your air conditioner to 78°F or the highest healthy comfortable temperature. 

•   Run appliances such as ovens, washing machines, dryers and dishwashers in the early morning or late at night when it is cooler outside to reduce heat and moisture in your home. 

•   Close doors to keep cool air in and hot air out when the air conditioner is running. 

•   Keep shades, blinds, and curtains closed. About 40 percent of unwanted heat comes through windows. 

•   Turn off air conditioners, lights, and other appliances when not at home, and use a timer or smart technology to turn on your air conditioner about a half-hour before arriving home. Keep air conditioner filters clean. 

•   If you run a business, keep your door closed while the air conditioner is running. 

•   Tell your utility provider if you or someone you know depend on medical equipment that requires electricity. 

  

AIR QUALITY 

  

New York City continues to monitor regional air quality and Canadian wildfire conditions that could affect the city. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the New York State Department of Health issue Air Quality Health Advisories when conditions may pose health risks. During poor air quality, limit outdoor activities, wear a mask if needed, and check AirNow.gov for current air quality readings. Visit nyc.gov/airquality for guidance and recommendations. 

  

For more information, visit NYC.gov/beattheheat. New Yorkers are also encouraged to stay informed by signing up for Notify NYC, the City's free emergency communications program, to receive free emergency alerts and updates in your preferred language and format by texting NotifyNYC to 692-692, visiting NYC.gov/NotifyNYC, calling 311 (212-639-9675 for Video Relay Service, or TTY: 212-504-4115), following @NotifyNYC on Twitter, or getting the free Notify NYC mobile application for your Apple or Android device. 

AIR QUALITY HEALTH ADVISORY ISSUED FOR LONG ISLAND REGION

 

   

In Effect for Tuesday, July 8, 2025

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton and StateDepartment of Health (DOH) Commissioner Dr. James McDonald issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for Tuesday, July 8, 2025, for ozone for the Long Island region. 

The pollutant of concern is: Ozone 

The advisory will be in effect 11 a.m. through 11 p.m.

The Tuesday, July 8, Air Quality Health Advisory region consist of: Long Island, which includes Nassau and Suffolk counties.

OZONE 

Summer heat can lead to the formation of ground-level ozone, a major component of photochemical smog. Automobile exhaust and out-of-state emission sources are the primary sources of ground-level ozone and the most serious air pollution problems in the northeast. This surface pollutant should not be confused with the protective layer of ozone in the upper atmosphere.  

Ozone is not a direct emission, and is produced indirectly when sunlight chemically reacts with nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from automobile exhaust and industrial emissions. High ozone is not as visible as fine particulate matter (PM2.5) because it is a colorless gas, but will produce hazy skies and reduce visibility in high concentrations. 

People, especially those with cardiovascular disease and those who have respiratory disease (such as asthma), young children, the elderly, those who exercise outdoors, and those involved in vigorous outdoor work should consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity when ozone levels are the highest (generally afternoon to early evening). When outdoor levels of ozone are elevated, going indoors will usually reduce exposure. Individuals experiencing symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or coughing should consider consulting their personal physician. 

Ozone levels generally decrease at night and can be minimized during daylight hours by curtailment of automobile travel and the use of public transportation where available. 

New Yorkers also are urged to take the following energy-saving and pollution-reducing steps: 

• use mass transit or carpool instead of driving, as automobile emissions account for about 60 percent of pollution in our cities; 
• conserve fuel and reduce exhaust emissions by combining necessary motor vehicle trips; 
• turn off all lights and electrical appliances in unoccupied areas; 
• use fans to circulate air. If air conditioning is necessary, set thermostats at 78 degrees; 
• close the blinds and shades to limit heat build-up and to preserve cooled air; 
• limit use of household appliances. If necessary, run the appliances at off-peak (after 7 p.m.) hours. These would include dishwashers, dryers, pool pumps and water heaters; 
• set refrigerators and freezers at more efficient temperatures; 
• purchase and install energy efficient lighting and appliances with the Energy Star label; and 
• reduce or eliminate outdoor burning and attempt to minimize indoor sources of PM 2.5 such as smoking.? 

Additional information on ozone and PM 2.5 is available on DEC's website and on DOH's website (PM 2.5) / DOH's website (ozone). A new DEC fact sheet about the Air Quality Index is available on DEC’s website or by PDF download https://dec.ny.gov/sites/default/files/2024-05/aqiweb.pdf.  

To stay up-to-date with announcements from DEC, sign up to receive Air Quality Alerts through DEC Delivers: DEC's Premier Email Service. A toll-free Air Quality Hotline (1-800-535-1345) was also established by DEC to keep New Yorkers informed of the latest air quality situation.

Governor Hochul Announces Admission Tickets and Parking Vouchers for the 2025 Great New York State Fair Go on Sale Today, July 7

The Great New York State Fair to Begin Wednesday, August 20 Through Labor Day, September 1

Great New York State Fair Offers New Yorkers a Family-Friendly, Affordable Way to Get Offline and Get Outside This Summer

Daily Passes Available and the Frequent Fairgoer Option Returns for Fair Superfans

Centro’s Park-N-Ride Direct Shuttles from Downtown Transit Hub, Long Branch Park, and Destiny USA to Return to The Fair

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that admission and parking for The 2025 Great New York State Fair went on sale today. Packed with value, a single admission ticket costs $8 and includes access to all grounds entertainment and the Chevrolet Music Series, while parking costs $12. In addition, a Frequent Fairgoer ticket option is available for $25. Admission remains free for those aged 65 and older along with children 12 years old and under, continuing to ensure that The Fair is one of the most affordable fairs in the nation, providing an accessible space for the whole family to get offline and get outside.

For those superfans who are planning to be at The Fair at least four days over its 13-day stretch, the Frequent Fairgoer option again allows the ticket holder to enter The Fair once a day, every day during The Fair. A Frequent Fairgoer ticket is non-transferable and is available exclusively online.

“The Great New York State Fair is a time-honored tradition and a cornerstone of our summers here in New York State,” Governor Hochul said. “People shouldn’t have to break the bank to have fun. As of today, tickets for this affordable, family-friendly event are now on sale. New Yorkers – get your tickets today and I’ll see you at The Fair this summer!”

Fair admission includes the ability to watch dozens of national recording acts in the Chevrolet Music Series, including Grammy winners, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame performers, and so many more. There will be a daily 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. concert at Chevy Court (located near Gate 1) with an extra show at 9:00 p.m. on Friday nights, as well as a daily 8:00 p.m. concert at Suburban Park (located on the western end of the Fairgrounds, beyond the Midway).

Updated concert schedules are available on The Fair’s website at pages dedicated to Chevy Court and Suburban Park.

HOW TO PURCHASE TICKETS AND PARKING TO THE GREAT NEW YORK STATE FAIR

There are three ways to buy admission tickets and/or parking: online, over the phone, and in-person from August 20 through September 1.

• Online: The link to purchase admission tickets and parking will go live at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, July 7, at The Great New York State Fair’s website.
• Over the Phone: Starting July 7, tickets and parking may also be purchased over the phone by calling Etix toll-free at 1-800-514-3849 from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday.
• At the Gate: Beginning Wednesday, August 20, kiosks positioned at all gates will be available for electronic ticket purchases. To minimize waiting time for the kiosks, large signs featuring QR codes will also be available at all entrances and in parking lots so fairgoers can use their smartphone to purchase tickets.

Including fees, the total cost for fairgoers will be:

• Admission: $8.32 per ticket ($8 admission, ticket fee of 14 cents, credit card processing fee of 18 cents)
• Frequent Fairgoer: $25.70 ($25 Frequent Fairgoer pass, ticket fee of 14 cents, credit card processing fee of 56 cents; note that the Frequent Fairgoer passes are available exclusively online)
• Parking: $12.41 per vehicle ($12 parking, ticket fee of 14 cents, credit card processing fee of 27 cents)

Upon arrival to The Fair, drivers must show their parking ticket to lot attendants electronically on their phones or through a printed copy. Please note that again this year, EZPass Plus is not an option for parking. Parking passes may be purchased with a credit card at the lots. Please note that cash is not accepted.

There will be no cash sales at The Fair’s entrance gates or in parking lots. Machines that can convert cash into a usable card will be positioned at The Fair’s Main Gate for those fairgoers bringing cash to the grounds.

HOURS OF OPERATION

The Great New York State Fair begins on Wednesday, August 20 and continues through Labor Day, September 1. The Fair’s hours of operation are from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. every day, except for Labor Day, when The Fair closes at 9:00 p.m. Gates open to the public at 9:00 a.m. and close at 9:00 p.m. every day except for Labor Day, Monday, September 4, when no entry will be permitted after 8:00 p.m.

Parking Hours: The Orange parking lot opens at 9:00 a.m. daily, with the Brown and Pink lots opening daily at 6:00 a.m., and the Gray lots opening daily at 8:30 a.m. The Willis Ave parking lot opens at 10:00 a.m., but will only be accessible only on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Labor Day.

Trams: For the convenience of fairgoers, trams will run continuously on the Fairgrounds, stopping at 10 stops from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.* every day. Plus, a dedicated ADA shuttle runs between the Gray Accessible Parking lot, located outside Gate 10, to Tram Stop #3 at the rear entrance of the Horticulture Building from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.* each day.

*Note, on Monday, September 1, the trams stop running one hour earlier.

CENTRO’S PARK-N-RIDE DIRECT SHUTTLE SERVICE TO AND FROM THE FAIR

Centro’s Park-N-Ride direct shuttle service will provide passengers with transportation from the Centro Transit Hub Downtown, Long Branch Park, and Destiny USA to and from the Fairgrounds with drop-off and pick-up points to the left of the Main Gate. To ride the shuttle one way, the fee is $1 for adults, and 50 cents for senior citizens, children six to nine years old, and those who are living with disabilities. The last shuttle leaves the Fairgrounds each day at 11:15 p.m. Shuttles will run on a limited schedule after 9:00 p.m. on September 1 as The Fair closes earlier that day.

WADE SHOWS MIDWAY: TICKETS ON SALE SOON

Advance tickets for The Fair’s famous Midway, operated by Wade Shows, will go on sale in the coming weeks. Stay up-to-date with The Fair’s social media and website to be the first to hear when these tickets are available for purchase.

ABOUT THE GREAT NEW YORK STATE FAIR

Founded in 1841, The Great New York State Fair showcases the best of New York agriculture, provides top-quality entertainment, and is a key piece of the state’s CNY Rising strategy of growing the Central New York economy through tourism. It is the oldest fair in the United States and is consistently recognized as being among the top five state fairs in the nation.

The New York State Fairgrounds is a 375-acre exhibit and entertainment complex that operates all year. Audiences are encouraged to learn more about The Great New York State Fair online, browse photos on Flickr, and follow the fun on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram. 

Final Three Members Charged in Prolific Chinese Money Laundering Scheme Plead Guilty to Laundering Tens of Millions in Drug Proceeds

 

Two Chinese nationals and a New York woman, all members of a prolific Chinese money laundering organization (CMLO), pleaded guilty today to money laundering charges involving drug trafficking proceeds. They are the last of six total defendants charged in the indictment to plead guilty.

According to court documents, Enhua Fang, 38, and Jianfei Lu, 30, both of China, and Shu Jun Zhen, 36, of Staten Island, New York, were members of the CMLO that laundered over $92 million in illicit funds, including proceeds from the importation and distribution of illegal drugs into the United States, primarily through Mexico.

According to court documents, Fang was an organizer within the CMLO who directed a group of couriers to pick up bulk cash proceeds from unlawful activities, including narcotics trafficking, from individuals throughout the United States. The couriers then deposited these illicit funds, which generally exceeded $10,000, into shell company bank accounts controlled by the CMLO in order to conceal the nature of the illicit funds. Fang used multiple cellphones, changing phone numbers regularly, and several encrypted messaging applications to communicate with the CMLO’s foreign-based operatives and U.S.-based drug traffickers. Pursuant to her plea agreement, Fang admitted that she was personally responsible for laundering at least $90 million of illicit funds in less than two years. Fang further admitted that she knew funds laundered in the conspiracy included drug trafficking proceeds or funds intended to promote drug trafficking.

According to court documents, Lu collected drug trafficking proceeds from U.S.-based drug traffickers and deposited those illicit funds, using both real and fake identities, into shell company bank accounts registered by other members of the CMLO. Lu also served as a manager for the CMLO: he coordinated bulk cash pickups and deposits while Fang was in China and procured fake driver’s licenses for the CMLO’s couriers, which were used to deposit illicit funds at major U.S. banks. Pursuant to his plea agreement, Lu admitted that he had actual knowledge and involvement in the laundering of between $25 million and $65 million in illicit funds. Lu further admitted that he knew funds laundered in the conspiracy included drug trafficking proceeds.

According to court documents, Zhen, at Fang’s and Lu’s direction, picked up and deposited — using both her real and fake identities — nearly $25 million of illicit bulk cash, including drug trafficking proceeds. Pursuant to her plea agreement, Zhen admitted that she knew funds laundered in the conspiracy included drug trafficking proceeds or funds intended to promote drug trafficking.

Fang and Zhen each pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering conspiracy, one count of money laundering to conceal the nature, location, source, ownership, and control of the illicit proceeds, and one count of monetary transaction involving criminally derived property greater than $10,000. Lu pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering conspiracy, two counts of money laundering to conceal the nature, location, source, ownership, and control of the illicit proceeds, and two counts of monetary transaction involving criminally derived property greater than $10,000.

The defendants face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each of the conspiracy and money laundering counts and a maximum of 10 years in prison on each of the monetary transaction counts. A federal district court judge will determine their respective sentences after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

All members of the CMLO charged to date have pleaded guilty, including the three who pleaded guilty on April 30, 2025; as a result, this particularly prolific cell within the CMLO has been completely dismantled.

Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson for the Western District of North Carolina, Acting Special Agent in Charge Jae W. Chung of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Atlanta Division, and Criminal Investigation Chief Guy Ficco of the IRS Investigation (IRS-CI) Charlotte Field Office made the announcement.

The DEA Charlotte District Office and the IRS-CI Charlotte Field Office are investigating the case.

Acting Assistant Deputy Chief Mingda Hang, Acting Deputy Chief Melanie Alsworth, and Trial Attorney Jayce Born of the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alfredo De La Rosa for the Western District of North Carolina are prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhoods.

MAYOR ADAMS ANNOUNCES MAJOR STEPS TAKEN TO EXPAND DOULA SERVICES, IMPROVE MATERNAL HEALTH OUTCOMES

 

Adams Administration’s Signature Citywide Doula Initiative Successful in Improving Maternal Health Outcomes for Black and Hispanic Women, Increasing Access in Disinvested Neighborhoods 

  

3,200 Mothers Served by Initiative Since 2022, with No Maternal Deaths and Improvements in Rates of C-Section and Preterm Birth 

  

Progress Builds on Mayor Adams’ “HealthyNYC” Plan to Extend New Yorkers’ Lifespan and Reduce Black Maternal Mortality by 10 Percent by 2030 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) Acting Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse today announced several major health milestones achieved last year by the Citywide Doula Initiative, including expanded access in disinvested neighborhoods and important strides toward better maternal health outcomes for Black and Hispanic women. Studies have found that Black, non-Hispanic women were four times more likely to die of a “pregnancy-associated” cause, such as pregnancy complications, and six times more likely to die of a “pregnancy-related” cause, such as postpartum suicide or overdose, than white, non-Hispanic women. However, according to a new report by DOHMH, thanks to Mayor Adams’ leadership, last year, the signature Citywide Doula Initiative program exceeded its goal of serving 1,000 individuals who give birth per year, having reached 1,128 new clients in 2024 alone. In total, over the last three years, 3,245 people have been served by the programs, and there have been no maternal deaths for program participants. Additionally, there has been a 25 percent increase in doula coverage for New York City residents overall from 2022 — the first full year of data collection — to 2024. The Citywide Doula Initiative accounted for nearly half of all doula-attended births in disinvested New York City neighborhoods in 2024 and served a large proportion of women of color, shelter residents, and non-English-speakers. 

  

“Expecting a child should be the happiest time of a woman’s life. Unfortunately, pregnancy and childbirth can be dangerous, especially for Black and Hispanic women in our city, and across America; that is why one of the very-first announcements we made when we came into office was to launch our Citywide Doula Initiative and show how serious we were about tackling maternal mortality,” said Mayor Adams. “We know this type of care works because those who received care from doulas have had less invasive procedures and shorter hospital stays — allowing parents to concentrate on what matters most: the health of the mom and their baby. It is shameful that, in the 21st century, in the greatest city in the world, the color of your skin or where you live still affects your ability to give birth safely — but with our doula program, we are changing that.” 

  

“Our commitment to maternal and child health has translated into a significant increase in doula services and support across New York City,” said DOHMH Acting Commissioner Dr. Morse. “While we celebrate the progress in expanding access and the vital role of city-supported programs, there is still more work to do. We must reduce barriers and end historic patterns of racial injustice and harm. We will continue to partner with community advocates and policymakers to ensure every pregnant or birthing New Yorker receives high-quality, culturally responsive health care.”  

  

The Citywide Doula Initiative — launched in 2022 by Mayor Adams and codified into law later that same year — is a signature commitment in the battle to address maternal health inequities and improve outcomes for vulnerable populations. Specifically, the Citywide Doula Initiative provides free access to doulas for people who are pregnant and their families in underserved neighborhoods of New York City, as well as to residents of homeless shelters and foster homes. The initiative trains community members as doulas and provides free professional development to all doulas working in the program, as well as supports hospitals in developing policies and procedures to create a doula-friendly environment. The Citywide Doula Initiative partners with 10 community-based doula organizations, which has helped the initiative achieve the following milestones: 

  

•   Serve more than 3,200 clients. 

•   Attend more than 2,300 births. 

•   Train 148 community members as doulas. 

•   Provide professional development to more than 500 Citywide Doula Initiative doulas. 

•   Host more than 100 doula-friendly meetings and presentations with a total of 10 hospital partners. 

•   Match more than 350 hospital-referred clients with Citywide Doula Initiative doulas. 

•   Distribute more than 1,000 copies of the “Hospital Doula-Friendliness Guidebook,” which helps hospitals improve collaboration between clinical staff and doulas. 

  

The Citywide Doula Initiative is also a key contributor to delivering on the commitments made in Mayor Adams’ “HealthyNYC” campaign, which aims to increase life expectancy for New Yorkers to 83 years by 2030, with a specific goal of reducing Black maternal mortality in New York City by 10 percent by 2030. The Citywide Doula Initiative was designed to serve those most affected by inequities in maternal health outcomes. In 2024, 61 percent of clients self-identified as Black, either alone or in combination with another race or ethnicity. Slightly fewer than half of clients, or 44 percent, identified as Hispanic or Latina, either alone or in combination with another race or ethnicity. In addition, 22 percent of newly enrolled Citywide Doula Initiative clients were non-English-speaking, a substantial increase from 15 percent the previous year. The Citywide Doula Initiative also provides services to many individuals living in shelters or other precarious housing, representing 16 percent of all clients. The vast majority of Citywide Doula Initiative clients, 94 percent, are enrolled in Medicaid or another government insurance program, such as TriCare or Child Health Plus.  

  

The program is also reaching its aims of improving maternal health outcomes. Citywide data on births from 2023 and 2024 is not yet available, but a comparison to 2022 data shows that Citywide Doula Initiative clients between 2022 and 2024 had slightly lower rates of Cesarean birth and preterm birth than overall rates.  

  

The Citywide Doula Initiative is also a key part of the Adams administration’s “New Family Home Visits Initiative,” a $34 million initiative that offers support to pregnant and parenting families by having trained health workers — such as doulas, nurses, social workers, lactation consultants, and community health workers — make in-person or virtual visits to the homes of expectant and new parents. The initiative also connects families to community-based services through the first-ever citywide Coordinated Intake and Referral system, which facilitates equitable access to resources. Since its launch in December 2021, the New Family Home Visits initiative has connected more than 23,000 families to home-visiting programs, including doula support and community-based services, ensuring that families receive the care, resources, and support they need during pregnancy and early childhood.