NYC Allocates $20M to Boost Family Mental Health

New initiative will expand access to nurse visits and mental health resources for parents and young children

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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New York City Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani announced a $20 million investment over three years for the Strong Foundations initiative, which will expand eligibility for the NYC Nurse-Family Partnership (NYC-NFP) program and increase access to mental health resources for parents and young children. The funding will also support workforce development for early childhood mental health professionals.

Why it matters

The initiative aims to provide more comprehensive prenatal and perinatal care, as well as mental health support, to families who face structural barriers to accessing these services, including Medicaid enrollees, families involved in the foster care or criminal justice system, and those facing housing instability.

The details

Strong Foundations will expand eligibility for the NYC-NFP program to include parents with more than one child and allow enrollment later in pregnancy. The funding will connect more families to registered nurse visits that support healthy pregnancies and provide mental health resources. It will also expand training and workforce opportunities for early childhood mental health professionals, including establishing a three-year fellowship program.

  • The $20 million investment will be provided over three years as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget.

The players

Zohran Kwame Mamdani

The mayor of New York City who announced the $20 million investment for the Strong Foundations initiative.

Dr. Helen Arteaga

The NYC Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services, who discussed the importance of providing assistance to New York City families.

Dr. Alister Martin

The NYC Health Department Commissioner, who highlighted the benefits of high-quality care and mental health support for parents and young children.

Luisa Linares

The Deputy Commissioner of the Family Services Division at the NYC Administration for Children's Services (ACS), who expressed pride in working with the Health Department to support more NYC families.

NYC-NFP

The NYC Nurse-Family Partnership program, which has supported more than 25,000 expecting parents through pregnancy, childbirth, and their child's second birthday.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Zohran Kwame Mamdani, Mayor (Mirage News)

“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.”

— Dr. Helen Arteaga, NYC Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services (Mirage News)

“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.”

— Dr. Alister Martin, NYC Health Department Commissioner (Mirage News)

“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.”

— Luisa Linares, Deputy Commissioner of the Family Services Division at the NYC Administration for Children's Services (ACS) (Mirage News)

What’s next

The Strong Foundations initiative will begin implementation in the coming fiscal year, with the goal of expanding access to nurse visits, mental health resources, and workforce development opportunities for early childhood mental health professionals.

The takeaway

This investment in family mental health support demonstrates the city's commitment to addressing the needs of New York's most vulnerable families, particularly those facing structural barriers to accessing prenatal, perinatal, and early childhood care. By expanding eligibility and services, the Strong Foundations initiative aims to provide a strong foundation for the health and well-being of parents and young children.