History

In 1997, the perinatal networks came together to form the Association of Perinatal Networks of New York. The purpose of the APN is to highlight the benefits and improvements many New York State communities have experienced as a result of the individual perinatal networks and to broaden the awareness of continuing perinatal health needs in New York State.

Since Its Inception, The APN Has:

• Taken leadership of the New York State Premature Infant Health Network.
• Become the New York State lead for Text4baby.
• Hosted an annual legislative program for New York State Congressmen, Senators and key staff members to raise awareness of maternal and child health issues, legislation and programs.
• Partnered with the New York State Department of Health to facilitate the first statewide symposium on perinatal health.
• Initiated the first statewide training of medical and community health care professionals on postpartum depression.
• Collaborated with the March of Dimes to lead an initiative to reduce birth defects through a Folic Acid awareness campaign.
• Provided a forum through which the existing perinatal networks and other key stakeholders examined ways to improve perinatal health services in their community.

The APN Is A Member Of The Following Task Forces And Advisory Committees:

• Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD)
• Early Childhood Comprehensive Systems Task Force
• Oral Health Advisory Committee
• Sexual Assault Task Force
• Statewide Perinatal Data Systems Advisory Committee
• Maternal Mortality
• Prenatal Care Standards
• Perinatal Risk Assessment
• NYS Prevention Agenda Leadership Group
• National Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies Coalition
• National Council on Folic Acid
• National Health Equity and National Research
• New York State Perinatal Association
• New York State Breastfeeding Coalition