Kyla: Any Little Thing Can Make A Big Difference

| Stories of Impact

Public Health Solutions’ NYC Smoke-Free Reality Check Program is a student-led, adult-supported, statewide program for youth between the ages of 13 through 18 to address tobacco control initiatives. This program cultivates teens as leaders and encourages them to involve community members in fighting against big tobacco. Kyla is one of the active participants on the legislative team that engages legislators to demand support in reducing tobacco use. Kyla shared her story and left her message: any little thing can make a big difference.

Cristina: A Road to Successful Breastfeeding

| Stories of Impact

National Breastfeeding Awareness Month, celebrated every August across the country, aims at empowering women to commit to breastfeeding. After learning the numerous benefits of breastfeeding, Christina decided to breastfeed. As emotionally intense as it is, breastfeeding her twins is the bravest and the most selfless thing Cristina has ever done.

Howard: Taking Control of Men’s Health

| Stories of Impact

Howard is a life-long Brooklynite and young bright senior in high school. When he became involved in a romantic relationship, he knew it was time to learn more about his sexual health. He hesitated to see a doctor, and was confused, curious, and a little bit embarrassed. He wanted more applicable knowledge while feeling uncomfortable about openly talking about topics like sex, birth control, and STIs.

Siby: When Nurse-Family Partnership® Becomes a Home Away from Home

| Stories of Impact

Imagine that you and your spouse just immigrated to New York City, far away from close family and friends who you relied on for support. And then you find out you are pregnant. Where do you look for guidance? Like many first-time moms who participate in the NFP program, Siby needed much support during her pregnancy and after her daughter was born.

Ann Marie: Taking on a Healthier Lifestyle

| Stories of Impact

Ann Marie is a single mom raising a family of four children. When she became pregnant with her second child, she was working fulltime as a hairstylist, had a teenage daughter, and was struggling to make ends meet. “It was already difficult to provide for my teenage daughter. I was completely overwhelmed by being pregnant.”

Wilson: When SNAP Protects Families from Hunger

| Stories of Impact

When Queens’ resident Wilson had an accident while on the job, he was left disabled and unable to work. He eventually lost his social security benefits, and could not afford basics that he and his wife needed, like food. “Everything was bad, my financial situation was very difficult. I needed help.”

Eileen: Caregiver in Need

| Stories of Impact

Everyone benefits from having health insurance. Eileen would not just benefit from health insurance, she was in desperate need of it.

Christina with her family

Christina: Empowered to Do More

| Stories of Impact

When Christina learned she was pregnant, she was filled with both joy and panic. She didn’t know who to learn from, or who to lean on. Christina turned to the Healthy Families program that was in her community.