Advocates raise awareness about assistance available to mothers after premature baby found in Canarsie
EMS responded to 1590 E 102nd St. and pronounced the boy dead just after 11 a.m. Thursday. Sources say the body still had an umbilical cord.
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Sources say a NYCHA worker made a disturbing discovery on Wednesday while clearing out a trash can in a courtyard behind a NYCHA building. Police say he found the body of a premature baby boy.
EMS responded to 1590 E 102nd St. and pronounced the boy dead just after 11 a.m. Thursday. Sources say the body still had an umbilical cord.
A growing memorial with teddy bears, balloons, toys and candles sits in the courtyard of the Bay View Houses in Canarsie, where the baby was found.
Residents like Aleli Paige say it's devastating.
“I was crying all day yesterday. I can’t take it no more," Paige said.
News 12 spoke with Melissa Forde, program director for Hispanic Family Services. She says she works with a lot of expectant mothers in need. Whether it's resources like food, diapers or someone to talk to, Forde says she wants people to know they're not alone.
“There are resources out there and she’s not alone,” Forde said. “That decision she had to make, there could have been another outcome.”
Forde says one can go to the Coalition for Hispanic Family Services' website for resources, a local mental health clinic, or the hospital. But she also says help can start with a hello.
“We live in a time where people are just kind of like minding their business, but everybody's struggling in one way or another. But you never know how you can help someone. If you see someone struggle and talk to them," Forde said.
No arrests have been made. The Medical Examiner is working to determine the baby's cause of death.
