On Maternal Health Awareness Day, Assembly Member Nily Rozic announced a $50,000 grant to expand breastfeeding education programs at the Charles B. Wang Community Health Center in Flushing.
The initiative, unveiled on Jan. 23, is designed to support new parents with culturally competent resources, particularly in English and Chinese, to navigate the challenges of early parenthood.
“This grant is an important first step in addressing the needs of new parents,” said Rozic, who represents District 25, encompassing Fresh Meadows, Flushing, Bayside, and Douglaston. “Every parent deserves to feel supported, and no one should navigate parenthood or breastfeeding alone. Partnering with the Charles B. Wang Community Health Center ensures that essential resources are accessible to families in our community.”
The funding, administered by the New York State Department of Health, will support a bilingual education campaign through print materials, social media outreach, and community programming to promote breastfeeding’s benefits.
Kaushal Challa, CEO of the health center, emphasized the program’s importance. “This program is a multidisciplinary effort between pediatrics, OB/GYN, and health education to help parents during this joyous but stressful time,” Challa said. “We are deeply grateful to Assemblywoman Rozic for her commitment to maternal and newborn health.”
The Charles B. Wang Community Health Center, founded in 1971, serves as a vital resource for underserved communities across Queens and Manhattan. With six locations, it offers primary care in pediatrics, OB/GYN, internal medicine, dental, and mental health, regardless of patients’ ability to pay or immigration status.
Assembly Member Ron Kim, who represents District 40, which includes Flushing, Murray Hill, Queensboro Hill, and Whitestone, spoke about his experiences as a father of three. “As a parent, I understand the challenges families face during these early years. This initiative will serve as a model for communities across New York City, ensuring families have the resources to thrive,” Kim said.
The initiative builds upon Rozic’s broader advocacy for family-centered policies and aligns with the health center’s legacy of offering equitable, culturally sensitive care.
Dr. Hyoseong Nuna Kim, Chief Medical Officer at the health center, highlighted the program’s significance. “The benefits of breastfeeding for both mothers and babies are well-documented, from better nutrition to stronger bonds,” she said. “With this funding, we can empower more parents to make informed decisions.”
For more information on the breastfeeding education program or to schedule an appointment, visit cbwchc.org or call the Flushing location at 718-886-1222.
*Additional reporting by Ramy Mahmoud
