For Immediate Release: January 5, 2026
Contact: media@hispanicfederation.org
Hispanic Federation Applauds Appointment of Dr. Helen Arteaga as Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services
New York, NY – Mayor Zohran Mamdani recently announced the appointment of Dr. Helen Arteaga as Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services. In response to the appointment, Frankie Miranda, President and CEO of Hispanic Federation, issued the following statement:
“Hispanic Federation commends Mayor Zohran Mamdani for appointing Dr. Helen Arteaga as Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services.
Dr. Arteaga played a pivotal role during her nearly five years at a facility that stood at the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic, a period that New Yorkers are still recovering from. Her leadership has been driven by empathy and a deep commitment to reducing healthcare disparities – values that will be essential as she oversees the city’s health services, mental health services, social services, and homelessness services.
We are confident that under Dr. Arteaga’s leadership the City’s Office of Health and Human Services will be able to make strides in challenging stigma around mental health, improving access to preventative care, and reducing the burdens of unexpected medical complications. New Yorkers are healthier when we know that our voices and concerns are heard and addressed with cultural competency by New York City agencies.
The Latino community has been disproportionately impacted by health complications and the selection of Deputy Mayor Arteaga to this influential role sends an important message to Latino and immigrant communities across the city: our voices, experiences, and leadership matter, and belongs at every level of government. We hope this is the beginning of a broader trend of elevating Latinos in leadership roles across the city to better reflect the diversity of New York City within the Mayor’s administration.
Hispanic Federation looks forward to partnering with Deputy Mayor Arteaga to expand access to healthcare and ensure that all New Yorkers can thrive in the city they love. Fostering pathways for health equity requires ongoing engagement with the community and we remain committed to working with Mayor Mamdani, Dr. Arteaga and all New Yorkers to make sure our input is heard and acted upon.”
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About Hispanic Federation
Hispanic Federation (HF) is a nonprofit membership and advocacy organization, founded in 1990, committed to empowering and advancing the Hispanic community, with a focus on low-income, marginalized, and immigrant Latine. With programs in 43 states and territories, HF’s focus areas include immigration, economic empowerment, civic engagement, disaster relief, philanthropy, education, health, and the environment. HF also maintains ongoing public education campaigns and meets the organizational development needs of its member agencies through grant-making and capacity-building assistance.
