Community First Equity, a Brooklyn-based maternal health support organization founded by Dr. Christina Pardo, has announced an expansion of services into Long Island and New Jersey to serve Haitian families. The organization advances health equity by connecting underserved communities with culturally informed healthcare resources and support, with a major focus on the Haitian Women’s Birth Equity initiative, which provides culturally responsive education, services, and referrals to families navigating pregnancy, birth, postpartum care, and related health needs.
“When we started the Haitian Women’s Birth Equity Initiative Brooklyn-based, it was to advocate for the needs and provide a support structure for Haitian mothers and families,” Pardo told The Haitian Times. “The goal was always to be able to create that support and advocacy wherever there are concentrations of Haitian mothers and families.” The expansion reflects the organization’s commitment to extending culturally responsive maternal health services beyond its original Brooklyn base.
As part of its regional growth, Community First Equity announced a partnership with the Maternal and Child Health of Northern New Jersey, which is launching Wombs of Ayiti. On June 26, Family Connects NJ, a non-profit organization and partner of Maternal and Child Health of Northern New Jersey, is hosting a community event where they will celebrate pregnant mothers and Haitian traditions around pregnancy, birth, and motherhood. The event will offer community resources, food, face painting, and opportunities to connect with other pregnant mothers, families, and support providers.
Community First Equity has also reached Long Island by coordinating a community baby shower on May 23 at St. Martha’s Church in Uniondale, in partnership primarily with Solidarité Haïtiano-Américaine de Long Island. The organization aims to provide information and resources about maternal mental health, early literacy, and doula support. Additional partners on the Long Island initiative included Moms Who Care, Harmony Healthcare Long Island, and the Health & Welfare Council of Long Island. For more information about Community First Equity or to volunteer, donate, or partner, individuals can visit the organization’s website.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://newspub.live/northeast/new-jersey/maternal-health-support-organization-expands-services-to-long-island-and-new-jersey/