Gillibrand, Meng, Ocasio-Cortez Push For Federal Funding To Fight Maternal Mortality At Elmhurst Hospital

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 04: Helen Arteaga Landaverde, Chief Executive Officer of Elmhurst Hospital, speaks during a press conference held by lawmakers at Elmhurst Hospital to advocate for the much-needed renovation of NYC Health and Hospitals Elmhurst Obstetrical Inpatient facilities on June 04, 2021, in Queens, New York City. Elmhurst Hospital was at the epicenter of the COVID-19 crisis and it was one of the hardest-hit communities in the country. The public hospital, which serves a majority immigrant population across Jackson Heights, Elmhurst, and Corona, struggled to keep up with the demand from patients. U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Representative Grace Meng, member of the House Appropriations Committee, and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez highlighted the Obstetrical Inpatient Facilities (OB/GYN) renovation as a top priority. Per the press release: “Representatives Ocasio-Cortez and Meng recently submitted a joint community funding request for $3,000,000 for FY 2022 to House Appropriators. If the funding request is fulfilled, Elmhurst Hospital would be able to provide a more modern, safe, and comfortable family-centered environment that also meets current privacy standards. When giving birth, privacy leads to a quieter environment which promotes recovery, provides for better infection control, and is better for bonding between parents and their babies. Healthy breastfeeding is also fostered in single rooms.” They were joined by Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Dr. Mitchell Katz, President and Chief Executive Officer of NYC Health + Hospitals (NYC H+H), and Helen Arteaga Landaverde, Chief Executive Officer of Elmhurst Hospital. (Footage by Tomas Abad/Getty Images)