Sen. Samra Brouk

Argued that the Community Doula Expansion Fund is essential to address the severe shortage of doulas available to serve Medicaid patients, noting only 68 doulas are currently eligible to serve nearly 100,000 women who give birth under Medicaid annually.

Brouk emphasized the life-saving potential of the 988 crisis lifeline after touring a local call center. She argued the bill addresses the youth mental health crisis by requiring colleges to promote the 988 lifeline through education campaigns and student ID cards.

Argued that doulas significantly improve health outcomes for mothers and newborns through non-medical support, and that a doula-friendly designation standard would prioritize patient choice and satisfaction while expanding doula access across New York State healthcare facilities.

Emphasized that Black youth suicide rates are increasing faster than any other racial or ethnic group, with a 144 percent increase from 2007-2020. The task force would help New York address this crisis in a focused manner and connect young people with needed care and resources.

Emphasized that one in five birthing people suffer from maternal mental health disorders, which is the most common pregnancy complication in America and the third leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths. Noted the importance of saying these truths aloud to address stigma and systemic factors.

Highlighted investments in maternal health, doula care expansion, continuous health insurance coverage for children zero to six, and mental health COLAs as important achievements in the budget.

The bill ensures foster youth and administrators at SUNY and CUNY are aware of ample state resources available to support college completion. She noted the bill had passed previously and expressed enthusiasm for its passage again.

Sponsor emphasized the maternal mortality crisis and that maternal mental health conditions are common pregnancy complications. Expanding screening opportunities through well child visits will help detect and diagnose maternal depression, leading to treatment and healthier infants and children.

The bill will help combat the Black maternal mortality crisis by ensuring the state's doula Medicaid benefit is accessible to as many birthing people as possible. Doulas are nonmedical professionals offering critical informational, physical, and emotional support.

Shared story of Melinda, a grandmother still suffering consequences 25 years after her sentence, asking how long society should punish people before allowing them to live full lives.

The bill addresses a mental health crisis among young people by ensuring 988 lifeline and crisis text line information appears on student ID cards. She cited statistics showing 30 percent of girls have seriously considered suicide and nearly half of LGBTQ students have considered suicide attempts, arguing that accessible information during crisis moments is essential.

Sponsor emphasized the bill ensures veterans' end-of-life wishes are honored, allowing service members to be buried where they have chosen and lie in honor. The legislation addresses a gap in current law that prevented a veteran without next of kin from being buried according to his wishes.

Sponsor explained the bill mandates ongoing diversity, equity, and inclusion training for psychologists to improve cultural competence and linguistic competence in mental health care. She emphasized that psychologists requested these changes to better serve their clients and patients.

Supported the bill as protecting children and housing people humanely, sharing an anecdote about a family with four young children living in hotels and moving frequently.

Acknowledged mixed results but highlighted Daniel's Law task force progress, Maternal Mental Health Workgroup funding, and continued fight for hospital and clinic funding despite 340B challenges.

Sponsor emphasized that maternal mental health disorders are the number-one most common pregnancy complication affecting one in five birthing people, and are 100 percent preventable. Called the workgroup essential to developing solutions and changing deadly statistics.

Praised Sen. Webb's deliberate advocacy and noted the country's historical pattern of discounting Black women and women of color. Emphasized that the bill sends a message to young girls of color that they matter and that law enforcement cares about their safety.

She connected the issue to the broader maternal and infant mortality crisis and shared a personal story about her chosen sister's loss of a child at eight months gestation, emphasizing the lasting nature of grief and the importance of legislative support.

Doulas provide critical, lifesaving support that decreases Cesarean rates by 50 percent and labor length by 25 percent. A directory is essential to make doula care accessible, particularly for Black women who face disproportionate maternal mortality in New York State.

Brouk, the bill sponsor, argued the measure codifies successful COVID-era emergency practices that allowed small independent pharmacies to access non-resident pharmacies to fulfill prescriptions. She emphasized the bill addresses ongoing public health needs and ensures medication access in underserved communities across urban, suburban, and rural areas.