Gov. Kathy Hochul joined Borough President Vanessa Gibson and other elected officials for an important announcement regarding maternal health.

The governor has committed to an $8 million investment toward the expansion of a Morris Heights health center. She says the money will go toward creating a maternal health center of excellence that will be dedicated to providing care to expecting mothers throughout their pregnancy, during birthing, and parenting.

“That's a game-changer completely. What's happening today is just amazing. It's going to change many lives,” says Assembly Member Yudekla Tapia.

Another resource Hochul announced is maternal care, such as doula services, will now be covered by Medicaid. The state Department of Health also issued a statewide standing order saying all New Yorkers who are pregnant, birthing or postpartum would benefit from receiving doula services.

The governor says the Bronx has the highest maternal mortality rate in our city and that she’s committed to changing that narrative and giving women the assistance they deserve.