Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani announced a $20 million investment over three years for the Strong Foundations initiative, which aims to expand perinatal and early childhood mental health programs in New York City. The funding, part of the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget, will be allocated to the NYC Health Department.
The Strong Foundations initiative will broaden eligibility for the NYC Nurse-Family Partnership (NYC-NFP), allowing parents with more than one child to participate and enabling enrollment later in pregnancy. The program will also connect more families with registered nurses who provide support during pregnancy and offer mental health resources for both parents and young children. In addition, it seeks to grow the mental health workforce by expanding training opportunities.
Mayor Mamdani stated, “The cost-of-living crisis hits New York City families well before the birth of their kids, which is why our administration is stepping up assistance through Strong Foundations. All parents deserve access to high-quality prenatal and perinatal care, and today’s announcement will ensure that all New Yorkers, and particularly those who face structural barriers to care, are provided with the resources they need at the very beginning of their child’s life.”
NYC Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Dr. Helen Arteaga commented on the city’s commitment: “The Mamdani administration is making good on its commitment to provide assistance to as many New York City families as possible. As a mother who has raised four children in New York, I understand the struggles that come with pregnancy, childbirth and infancy — and I know that far too many cannot access the care they need to navigate these experiences. Today, I am excited that this initiative, which has helped tens of thousands of parents throughout the city, will connect even more families to registered nurses, increase access to mental health care and grow training and workforce opportunities for early childhood staff. Through the Strong Foundations initiative, we are delivering another win to working families by providing comprehensive, high-quality health care where it was previously unavailable.”
Dr. Alister Martin, Commissioner of the NYC Health Department added: “The health of our youngest New Yorkers begins with the wellness of their parents and caregivers. As a parent and the son of a Nurse-Family Partnership nurse, I know the benefits of high quality care and mental health support firsthand. Strong Foundations will enable us to reduce barriers and reach more expecting parents with individualized, compassionate care provided by dedicated nurses and mental health professionals.”
Luisa Linares from NYC Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) highlighted ACS’s role: “ACS is proud to be working with the Health Department to ensure more NYC families have access to the support they need to thrive. We know that parenting, especially a newborn, is stressful. We also know that children’s earliest days provide foundation that impacts their lives in profound ways. This investment provides hands-on, destigmatized support to reduce stress and increase attachment so parents and their children can thrive.”
As part of this initiative nurses will receive additional training so they can serve more families across New York City while distributing essential supplies such as pack-and-plays (portable cribs), diapers,and developmental toys.
The funding also supports expanded capacity at Perinatal & Early Childhood Mental Health Network clinics run by NYC Health Department.It includes workforce development measures like specialized certification in mental health for 20 practitioners each year,and establishes a three-year fellowship program aimed at new graduates.This effort seeks long-term growth in staff skilled at supporting young children’s families.
Since its inception over two decades ago,the NYC-NFP has served over 25 000 expecting parents—prioritizing those facing systemic barriers such as Medicaid recipients,families involved in foster or criminal justice systems,and those experiencing housing instability.Clients have reported improved outcomes including higher breastfeeding rates,timely immunizations,and better economic self-sufficiency.
