New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services Releases Request for Proposals for the Securing Reproductive Health Centers Program
Program Will Provide up to $50,000 for Each Eligible Facility to Help Ensure Safe Access to Reproductive Health Services following the U.S. Supreme Court’s Decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that the state is seeking proposals for $10 million available to reproductive health care and abortion services providers to help improve the security of their facilities and safety of staff and patients. The state Division of Criminal Justice Services released a request for proposals, which will allow eligible providers to submit proposals to receive up to $50,000 in funding per facility through the Securing Reproductive Health Care Centers Program. The program is one component of Governor Hochul’s comprehensive plan to help ensure safe access to reproductive health and abortion services in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overturned the precedent and protections set forth in Roe v. Wade.
«I will continue to do everything in my power to ensure that reproductive health care and abortion services continue to be available, accessible and safe not only for New Yorkers, but for any woman who has been denied the right to make her own healthcare decisions,» Governor Hochul said. «My administration remains laser-focused on keeping these facilities safe, and these grants will help ensure a safe work environment for the dedicated professionals providing this care and for those who need it most.»
Through the Securing Reproductive Health Care Centers Program, public and not-for-profit providers may apply for this funding to help improve security through enhancements to their facilities. Specifically, comprehensive family planning and reproductive health program providers and state Public Health Article 28 certified clinics that provide reproductive health care services are eligible to apply. Providers that received funding through the state’s Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes program may apply to this funding opportunity but the project must be different than the one previously funded.
New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services Commissioner Rossana Rosado said, «In response to the Supreme Court’s decision, Governor Hochul is leading the way to protect a women’s right to choose and her ability to safely receive reproductive health services. No one should feel unsafe seeking the care they need or working to provide that much-needed care. This funding will help provide security for these health care providers and their patients. I applaud the Governor’s unwavering commitment to ensuring safe access to reproductive health care throughout New York.»
Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett said, «Abortion providers must be able to treat the patients they care for in safe, secure environments. Threats made to healthcare centers and to those seeking reproductive services of any kind are unacceptable and deeply unsettling. I applaud Governor Hochul and the Division of Criminal Justice Services for providing new funding to safeguard women’s health centers — and the ability to access care — statewide.»
This grant funding can be used for physical security improvements to facilities, such as interior and exterior facility hardening, perimeter lighting, fencing and barriers; door locks and access control systems; security cameras; alarm, panic button and lock-down systems; and public address systems, among other measures. The grants also can fund training of staff or organization members in the use of the new security equipment.
Applications are due no later than noon on Thursday, August 18, and DCJS expects to fund up to 200 projects statewide through the program for a two-year period.
The Division of Criminal Justice Services provides critical support to all facets of the state’s criminal justice system, including, but not limited to: training law enforcement and other criminal justice professionals; overseeing a law enforcement accreditation program; ensuring Breathalyzer and speed enforcement equipment used by local law enforcement operate correctly; managing criminal justice grant funding; analyzing statewide crime and program data; providing research support; overseeing county probation departments and alternatives to incarceration programs; and coordinating youth justice policy. Follow DCJS on Facebook and Twitter.