New York announces measure to help immigrants

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The state of New York has announced a significant measure aimed at improving healthcare access for immigrants.

Including those in irregular immigration status.

Governor Kathy Hochul confirmed the expansion of the Choose Healthy Life (CHL) program, an initiative designed to ensure essential medical services for vulnerable communities.

With an investment of nearly $5 million, the program will expand its reach to more cities across the state.

New York Announces New Measure for Immigrants

The primary goal of this initiative is to reduce barriers that prevent access to healthcare.

Particularly for immigrants who live in constant fear of raids and deportation in the city of New York.

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Choose Healthy Life was established in 2021 in response to the healthcare crisis triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, with a special focus on African American and immigrant communities.

In partnership with United Way of New York and various churches, the program has provided services to over 100,000 vulnerable individuals.

One of the keys to the success of Choose Healthy Life has been its community-based approach, with churches acting as centers for guidance and medical assistance.

Each participating church assigns a health navigator responsible for connecting immigrants with medical services and providing wellness advice.

So far, these navigators have offered healthcare guidance to over 9,000 people.

They have conducted medical tests for more than 6,000, and facilitated over 900 referrals to social support services.

The recent funding will allow the incorporation of 10 new churches across five cities in the state, strengthening the reach of the Choose Healthy Life program.

The cities benefiting from this expansion include Albany, Buffalo, Newburgh, Syracuse, and Rochester.

Each will have new congregations serving as healthcare centers.

In Albany, the Macedonia Baptist Church and Metropolitan Baptist Church will join the program.

In Buffalo, the First Shiloh Baptist Church and True Bethel Baptist Church will be added.

In Newburgh, the beneficiaries will include the AME Zion Church of Newburgh and the United Christian Church.

In Syracuse, the Tucker Missionary Baptist Church and the People’s AME Zion Church will participate.

In Rochester, new Choose Healthy Life centers will include New Bethel CME and Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church.

In addition to this expansion, Governor Hochul proposed allocating an extra $1 million in her 2026 budget, raising the total investment to $5.9 million.

The strengthening of CHL is part of a broader state strategy aimed at improving the quality of life for families in New York. including families of immigrants.

Other key initiatives include expanding universal childcare and providing free school meals.

The state has allocated $110 million for childcare services to support low-income working parents.

Additionally, the BABY Benefit program offers financial support for families with newborns.

Another newly announced measure expands access to infertility treatments for families facing conception challenges.

The distribution of diapers and other essential supplies also forms part of the plan to alleviate the financial burden on the most vulnerable households.

For undocumented immigrants in New York, these initiatives offer relief in the face of ongoing uncertainty regarding their rights and access to basic services.

@politico Highlightd United Way of New York City in its Newsletter «Weekly New York Health Care» Today, Reporting On @Govkathyhochul‘s announcement of increased funding for Our @Chlactionplan Program

Through Choose Healthy Life, United Way of New York City Partners With The …

– United Way of New York City (@unitedwaynyc) February 18, 2025

Access to healthcare is a major concern for this community due to a lack of insurance and fear of repercussions tied to their immigration status.

Many immigrants, fearing detention or deportation, often avoid hospitals and health centers, putting their well-being at risk.

With the expansion of CHL, New York aims to ensure that everyone—including immigrants and regardless of immigration status—can receive the healthcare they need.

This program adds to other measures implemented in recent years to protect immigrant communities and promote equity in access to essential services.

Governor Hochul has reiterated her commitment to the inclusion and well-being of all New Yorkers, regardless of their origin or legal status.

At a time when federal immigration policies have become more stringent, New York stands out as a state that defends the rights of immigrants.

The Choose Healthy Life initiative represents a model of care based on trust, proximity, and community integration.

As its implementation progresses, more people are expected to benefit and improve their quality of life—without fear of exclusion from the healthcare system, as highlighted by Mundo Deportivo.

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