Bringing a new baby home is one of life’s most rewarding experiences, but it also comes with significant challenges. For families in New York City, especially those in neighborhoods facing health and social disparities, the Newborn Home Visiting Program (NHVP) has been a vital lifeline for nearly two decades.
Since its launch in 2004, the NHVP has successfully supported over 50,000 families, helping them navigate the transition to parenthood with professional guidance and compassionate care.
A Legacy of Care: From Pilot to Citywide Support
The program began as a small pilot in Harlem and Brooklyn, visiting roughly 100 families per month. Over the years, it expanded to the South Bronx and North/Central Brooklyn—areas identified as having the highest needs for maternal and infant health support.
What started as a one-time visit evolved into a comprehensive service model. Today, the program prioritizes reaching mothers early—often within 1–2 weeks of birth—to provide critical support during the "fourth trimester."
How the Program Works
The NHVP operates through several specialized models to ensure no family is left behind:
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The Traditional Model (TM): Staff connect with mothers directly at the bedside in seven partner hospitals.
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The Shelter Initiative Model (SIM): In partnership with the Department of Homeless Services (DHS), the program offers up to three home visits to families residing in shelters with infants up to two months old.
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Virtual Support: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the program successfully transitioned to virtual visits, ensuring families continued to receive education on safety, vaccines, and essential supplies like formula and diapers.
Expanding for Equity: The New Family Home Visits (NFHV)
Building on these successes, NYC recently launched the New Family Home Visits (NFHV) initiative. Funded to address racial and social inequities highlighted by the pandemic, this expansion targets Taskforce on Racial Inclusion & Equity (TRIE) neighborhoods across all five boroughs.
Who is eligible?
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First-time parents in TRIE neighborhoods.
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Families with infants (0–3 months) living in NYCHA housing within TRIE neighborhoods.
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All families with infants (0–3 months) in DHS shelters or engaged with ACS citywide.
What Does a Home Visit Include?
The program is entirely voluntary and focuses on empowering parents through education. Public Health Advisors provide guidance on:
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Breastfeeding & Nutrition: Including access to International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC).
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Safe Sleep & Home Safety: Helping parents create a secure environment for their newborns.
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Health Navigation: Assistance with health insurance, immunizations, and finding a "medical home" for the baby.
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Mental Health: Screenings for maternal depression and connections to community resources.
Summary: At a Glance
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Impact: Over 50,000 families served since 2004.
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Reach: Currently targeting approximately 7,000 families per year.
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Mission: To eliminate health disparities and ensure every New York City baby has a healthy start.
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Key Locations: High-priority neighborhoods in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island (including Harlem, Mott Haven, Brownsville, and more).
The Newborn Home Visiting Program is more than just a check-in; it is a commitment to health equity, ensuring that every parent has the tools they need to help their child thrive.
Are you an eligible family? Look for the program in your community as it continues its phased rollout across the city!
Learn more here