FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Valhalla, NY – February 20, 2025—Sister to Sister International (STSI), in collaboration with PepsiCo Research & Development (R&D) campus, Valhalla, NY, hosted an enriching field trip led by PepsiCo executive and STSI board member Mara Calderon Guerra. The event provided unique insight into the innovative world of research and development at one of the world’s leading food and beverage companies. Throughout the day, students from the Westchester area engaged in various R&D activities at PepsiCo. They visited the Packing and Design Lab, participated in packing and mechanical testing, and explored how academic disciplines such as biology, chemistry, and food science link to career opportunities within the company. A hands-on look at the focus group room provided insights into consumer behavior, sensory sciences, and psychology on product development. Additionally, the visit to the Gatorade Sports Science Institute demonstrated the application of physiology in product consumption and the role of clinical trials in innovation. Students delved into advanced digital twins used in product design and development in the Modeling and Simulation Lab.  A key part of the visit was the Sensory Experience; workshop, where students created and customized their own beverages, simulating the role of an R&D scientist. The discussions highlighted the global opportunities at PepsiCo, noting that roles within the company can provide chances to travel internationally and expand both professional and personal experiences. Opportunities for Westchester Area Students in STEAM Students in the Westchester area have an opportunity to participate in STEAM exploration trips, web series, meetups, and tutoring within the STEAM Academy, STSI’s year-round program. By becoming a STEAM family member, students can engage in these enriching activities designed to empower young girls of color in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. STSI is committed to advancing these students academic and career potential through hands-on experiences that provide a real-world understanding of STEM fields. The upcoming 16th Annual STEAM Camp, which will be held from June 30 to July 11, 2025 (and will be closed on July 4th), promises an impactful and fun-filled experience in the world of STEAM. For more information about our programs, how to become a STEAM family member and upcoming partnerships, please visit www.s2si.org or contact Lydia K. Smith, STEAM Program Consultant, at lsmith@s2si.com. Contact: Lydia K. Smith STEAM Program Consultant Sister to Sister International Email: lsmith@s2si.com Dr. Cheryl Brannan Founder Sister to Sister International

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Yonkers, NY – December 2024  – Sister to Sister International (STSI), in collaboration with Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory’s DNA Learning Center hosted an enlightening field trip on Saturday, December 7th, 2024 at Regeneron. This event provided middle and high school students a unique opportunity to delve into the world of enzymes and see firsthand how they impact our daily lives and the food industry. Students traveled to the Regeneron DNA Learning Center in Sleepy Hollow, NY to participate in a series of hands-on experiments including, a) making cheese from milk using emporase enzyme (also called rennet); b) observing the bubbling reaction of chicken livers exposed to the catalase enzyme; and c) converting applesauce into apple juice with the enzyme pectinase. These experiments not only demonstrated enzyme functionality but also highlighted the importance of enzymes in biotechnology and food production. Dr. Chiatogu Onyewu, a board member of STSI and Senior Director of Genetic Medicines Program Management and Operations at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., connected the STEAM Academy with the DNA Learning Center and played a key role in facilitating activities during our visit. Her expertise and engagement significantly enhanced the students' learning experience.             Student Testimonials Highlight Impact One participating student shared, “Seeing the enzymes in action was so cool! It made me realize how amazing science can be and how it's used in real life, not just in textbooks. ” Another student remarked, “This trip opened my eyes to a potential career in biotechnology. It’s fascinating to see how much impact these tiny molecules have in medicine and industry.” Continued Commitment to STEAM Education This science based effort is part of Sister to Sister International’s ongoing commitment to provide enriching experiences that inspire young girls of color to explore and excel in S.T.E.A.M fields. By partnering with leading scientific institutions like the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory’s DNA Learning Center, STSI ensures that students receive real-world, practical experiences that complement their academic learning. As we look to the future, STSI is dedicated to continuing its mission of offering robust programming and opportunities around STEAM exploration . This includes field trips and STEAM Academy activities that focus on building skills, uncovering career paths, and developing leadership. For more information about Sister to Sister International and upcoming programs, please visit our website at www.s2si.org  or contact Lydia Smith, STEAM Consultant and Program Coordinator, at lydiasmith.lks@gmail.comor 636-683-0285.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Yonkers, NY – July 2024 – Yonkers, NY – July 2024 – Sister to Sister International, Inc. (STSI) proudly hosted its 15th Annual STEAM Camp this summer, providing 20 young girls with a wide range of enriching experiences designed to inspire and empower them. The camp featured hands-on STEAM activities, inspirational talks from alumni and other accomplished professionals in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math.  The diverse interactive workshops like Dress for Success, by STSI Board Member Lauren Morris, Financial Literacy, along with Civic Affairs like Black Women’s Pay Equity Education and Advocacy, along with exciting field trips to notable locations such as the Yonkers Forensics Lab, Yonkers City Council Presidents Office and Chambers, St. Johns Riverside Hospital Radiology Department, and the Beczak Environmental Education Center, to name a few. Enriching Experiences and Inspirational Talks The excitement continued with visits from STSI’s incredible alumni, who were campers just like our girls not too long ago!   Nia Baptiste , M.Arch, Architect, shared her inspiring journey in architecture as a recent graduate from Howard University. Sayidana Brannan-Douglas , MS, Producer & Documentarian, captivated us with her experiences in the arts and media. She holds a Master of Science in Technology, Business and Media from Stony Brook University.  Our Science Talks were nothing short of inspiring with Nalo Russel , Drexel University Graduate, and Khadyja Sarr, MPH, Project Manager at Montefiore Medical Center, Graduate of Howard University who brought their world of science exploration in the medical field to life for our campers, focusing on medical and health disparities. STSI more seasoned professionals Cammie Jones and Sade Amazan , academic and corporate leaders shared their wisdom on civic engagement and confidence building, respectively. Both are also STSI millennial leaders on our steering committee who shared a wealth of experience with our STEAM Sistahs. STSI Board member and alumni Jordanne Lewis, delivered a biology module and explored health careers with students. International Linkages with Ghanaian Girls STSI STEAM Sistahs also had the opportunity to meet virtually and network with Bridge to Africa girls in Ghana. This activity was led by STSI Junior Counselor, Sagar Sarr and included introductory remarks by STSI Board Member , Chiatogu Onyewu, MD, PhD , a Scientist and Operations Manager at Regeneron. Experiential Field Trips This summer, the girls had the opportunity to participate in several STEAM exposure trips, including: Tour of the Yonkers Justice Center Forensics Lab Production Studio Tour at Kingdom Church Seining at the Center for the Urban River Visit to Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF) Architecture Firm Tour of Saint John's Riverside Hospital X-Ray Lab Yonkers Comic-Con Workshop Graduation Ceremony and Scholarship Awards The STEAM camp Graduation Ceremony occurred on Saturday, June 13th, at Sprain Ridge Park during STSI’s Family and Friends event. During this time, students shared reflections on their experiences, and we awarded six "Reach for the Stars" scholarships to: Adira Quarles, Peyton Rohan, Nastashya Johnson, Keyera Gordon and Saintecile Johnson What’s next… STSI STEAM Academy Sister to Sister International, Inc. thanks all participants, facilitators, and partners who made this year's camp a success. We also extend a hearty thank you to Lydia K. Smith,  our STEAM Program Consultant Lydia Smith and counselors, Testimony Ibidapo, Tiara Kidd and Sagar Sarr.   We are excited to continue providing these real-world experiences so that young girls can explore and excel in STEAM fields and will kick off our STEAM Academy October 1st, 2024 – June 2025. For more information log onto s2si.org For more information about Sister to Sister International, Inc. and our programs, please visit our website at www.s2si.org  or contact us at stsimovement@gmail.com . Lydia K. Smith STEAM Consultant and STEAM Camp Coordinator   Sister to Sister International   Dr. Cheryl Brannan   Founder and President   Sister to Sister International

United Way of Westchester and Putnam (United Way) is proud to announce the administration of grants totaling $500,000 to 44 deserving nonprofit organizations across the region. This significant investment in our community is a testament to United Way's commitment to fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and resilient Westchester and Putnam. Six of the awarded organizations are receiving funding from United Way for the first time.   The funds were made available through United Way’s Community Impact Fund, the Emergency Food and Shelter Program, and a partnership with PepsiCo .   The grant processes were highly competitive, with United Way receiving over 200 proposals across the opportunities. The selected recipients represent a range of nonprofits, each with a unique mission and vision. Still, all are committed to improving the lives of individuals and families who are ALICE ( A sset L imited, I ncome C onstrained, E mployed) in our community.    "We are thrilled to support these outstanding organizations," said Tom Gabriel , president and CEO of United Way. "Each one of them is doing critical work to address the pressing needs of our community, and we are proud to partner with them in their efforts."    United Way of Westchester and Putnam is deeply committed to creating lasting change in our community. Through strategic investments in local nonprofits, United Way is helping to build a stronger, more inclusive Westchester and Putnam.

Presented by: Nonprofit Westchester On November 29, 2023 NPW hosts its Annual Meeting & Emerging Leaders Program Graduation and Awards Westchester’s celebration of the nonprofit sector — The only event of its kind in Westchester honoring a Nonprofit Individual Changemaker and Organization Changemaker. This event is not a fundraiser. November 29, 2023 | 5:30 – 8:00 PM Sonesta Hotel, White Plains Sister to Sister International founder, Cheryl Brannan, stated "STSI is pleased to be selected as the 2023 Nonprofit Changemaker Award recipient for our work, with various community partners in support of elevating and promoting Black maternal health as a key public health issue in Westchester County." STSI's own Development Associate, Tsahai Amazan is a graduate of this year's Emerging Leaders Program and will be walking the stage shoulder to shoulder with 35 other Westchester based Graduates. NPW's Emerging Leaders Program is an 11-month professional development program that supports “emerging leaders” to grow their nonprofit knowledge, leadership skills, and expand their reach through networking. Sister to Sister International , is a Yonkers-based nonprofit which is dedicated to the empowerment of Black women and girls in Westchester and beyond. Nationally, maternal mortality is 3 to 4 times higher for Black women than for White women. STSI is being honored for successfully elevating and promoting Black maternal health as a key public health issue in Westchester, New York State and nationally. Through partnerships with Black and Brown birthing people, healthcare, academia, government and the general public, and their Seminole research report, Still I Rise: The Status of Black Women and Girls in Westchester County (2019), STSI is leading the way on solutions to this and other problems resulting from the social determinants of health and systemic racism. STSI & Community Partners Westchester Black Maternal & Child Center of Excellence, Ribbon Cutting (Nov. 2022) Maternal Health Stats: From 2017 – 2021 42.9% of Black women had a cesarean section compared to 37.5% of White women in Westchester The infant mortality rate for Black infants was 2.3 per 1,000 live births compared to 0.9 per 1,000 live births for White women in Westchester Black women had 12.9% of low-birth-weight babies compared to 6.1% of White women in Westchester Long Term Goals & Outcomes: The goal is to improve Black maternal health outcomes through increased public awareness, outreach to pregnant women and their support systems and educating health care providers regarding the social determinants of health and the bias that negatively impacts black maternal health outcomes. Some Accomplishments to Date: Partnered with various community partners to create the Westchester Black Maternal & Child Center of Excellence (WBMCCE) with 4 pillars designed to educate and train all targeted populations noted above; If you are interested in becoming a community partner, please email blkmatchild@gmail.com or call 914-207-0368. For services and support please log onto s2si.org Purchase Tickets and Journal Ads to this Event

AND DELIVERS SCHOOL OF BUSINESS 2024 COMMENCEMENT SPEECH May 30, 2024, WESCHESTER COUNTY CENTER Congratulations to Cheryl Brannan, for two honors bestowed on her during Mercy University’s 2024 Commencement. Brannan was the Mercy University School of Business 89th Commencement Speaker, and was presented with an Honorary Doctor of Commercial Science, from President Susan Parish and was hooded by Trustee Valerie Mason Cunningham. “It was exciting to serve as the Commencement Speaker and receive an Honorary Doctorate  from Mercy University, where I have been an alumni, former faculty member, and community partner for almost 20 years,” said Dr. Brannan, whose speech was entitled, Another Milestone: Striving to Live Your Best Life! She shared two pieces of advice that she calls Golden Nuggets that have served her well during her life and career journey. They were to Expand your worldview and Bet on Yourself! During her introduction, President Parish said “Cheryl Lynn Brannan, a lifelong resident of Yonkers, has been a dynamic leader who has excelled in the civic, political, corporate, academic, and international arenas for over 30 years, claiming “On the Move” as her mantra. “As someone who values education and lifelong learning, she is a proud Mercy alumna having earned a master’s degree in organizational leadership in 2002 and later joined the faculty at the School of Business. She climbed the corporate ladder at Xerox while establishing the Xerox Black Women’s Caucus Group, making significant contributions to diversity and leadership in the corporate sector. “As founder of Sister to Sister International, Cheryl led efforts to support the health, education, and empowerment of Black and Brown women and girls, and spearheaded the creation of the first STEAM summer camp for girls of color in the Lower Hudson Valley. She has been integral in highlighting the significant disparities in Black maternal health in Westchester County, and creating a Westchester Black Maternal Child Center of Excellence to improve those outcomes. “This important work reaches beyond our region. Your passion for women’s issues led you to become a delegate to International Women’s Conferences in Kenya and China, and participate in summits in Kenya  and the Caribbean. You achieved Special Consultative Status for Sister to Sister International with the United Nations Economic and Social Council. “Additionally, you founded Brannan Solutions Group, a consulting firm specializing in helping organizations achieve their goals through strategic planning, leadership development, and diversity and inclusion initiatives. “The dedication and impact of Brannan’s work in the political and community spheres are evident through her extensive involvement and the numerous accolades she has garnered, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from NYS Majority Leader, Andrea Stewart Cousins; Senator Schumer, Special Guest Invite to the State of the Union, Black Maternal Health Leadership Recognition;  Westchester Women in Business Award, 914 Inc.; YWCA, Westchester County Women’s Hall of Fame; Planned Parenthood, Leader in Reproductive Justice & Education, Outstanding Advocate Award; Westchester Black Women’s Political Caucus, Trailblazer Award; Westchester County Youth Bureau, SHERO Award; Featured in Black Women in Westchester; and National Council of Negro Women Leadership Award, presented by the late Dr. Irene Height,” said President Parish. Congratulations Dr. Brannan! https://yonkerstimes.com/cheryl-brannan-honored-by-mercy-university-with-honorary-doctorate-and-delivers-school-of-business-2024-commencement-speech/

A Resounding Success! 4/20/24 | Yonkers, NY View & Download Photos and Videos Below: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-3lN3TFY0W9VPb_S3HUNFjGxh7D7zi2B?usp=sharing Conference Recap: Yonkers, NY, April 20, 2024 - Sister to Sister International's (STSI) 4th Annual Day of  Recognition, Education, and Action at the Grinton I. Will Public Library in Yonkers, NY, was a resounding success, drawing various members, workgroup leaders, and community partners who came together to make a collective impact throughout the county focused on STSI's four pillars. The day kicked-off with Cheryl Brannan, founder of STSI and the Westchester Black Maternal Child Center of Excellence (WBMCCE), setting the tone. Brannan explained the organization's mission, objectives, and the day's schedule, emphasizing the intersection of STEM education, health disparities, and their impact on Black and Brown women and girls. Featured speakers during the day included  Asha Castleberry-Hernandez, National Security Expert and Dr. Uché Blackstock. Castleberry-Hernandez spoke about her military career and journey and encouraged young attendees to explore career opportunities in cybersecurity, national security, and artificial intelligence. Recognition was a highlight where STSI applauded community partners for their support of their four workgroup pillars: Health & wellness and Black maternal health; Social and juvenile justice; STEM & STEAM curriculum and Entrepreneurship and pay equity; Westchester County Deputy County Executive, Ken Jenkins,  delivered greetings and elaborated on Westchester County's commitment to the Westchester Black Maternal and Child Center of Excellence and continuing to fund community partners as part of their joint effort to improve birth outcomes and promote birth equity in Westchester County. Ms. Brannan expressed gratitude to County Executive Latimer, the Deputy County Executive, and staff for their ongoing support of this initiative. Also, in attendance were Legislators  Terry Clements and Jewel Williams Johnson. Next, participants were actively engaged in a dynamic Fireside Chat featuring Dr. Uché Blackstock, a distinguished physician, Founder and CEO of Advancing Health Equity, and a New York Times bestselling author.  The conversation was moderated by  STSI member physicians Stephanie Lovinsky-Desir, MD,  and Chiatogu Onyewu, MD PhD. Dr. Blackstock, renowned for her tireless efforts in advocating against systemic biases and racism within the healthcare sector, offered profound insights.   She shared her journey, emphasizing the importance of recognizing when to act and highlighting the dangers of oversimplification and disrespect. Additionally, she eloquently detailed the pivotal moments that heightened her awareness of the systemic racism faced by individuals of Black and Brown origins. Dr. Blackstock also captivated the audience by reading excerpts from her acclaimed book, Legacy, and engaging in an interactive and engaging question-and-answer session. NYS Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart Cousins and Congressman Jamal Bowman, who typically attend this conference, were both in session. Another highlight was the workgroup break-out sessions focused on actions and next steps related to STSI's four pillars.   To join a workgroup or for additional information please email info@s2si.org.  We are excited to share that STSI has several upcoming events and initiatives planned to continue our mission of training, education, and empowerment.  Please log on to s2si.org for more information.

Sister-to-Sister recently hosted a Town Hall titled “Birth Equity Improvement Project – Pushing the Needle Forward”.  This was sponsored in collaboration with County Legislator, Jewel Williams-Johnson at the Westchester County Center on March 19th. During the Town Hall meeting, the objective was to receive updates from birthing hospitals in the area about their efforts to promote birth equity. The latest findings on birthing statistics from the New York State Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Board were also discussed. Programs and initiatives resulting from Westchester County and community partnerships were shared, and community members shared their personal experiences. The attendees at the Town Hall included Westchester County Executive, George Latimer, Assistant County Executives, Ken Jenkins, Westchester County Legislator, Jewel Williams-Johnson, Westchester County Department of Health Executives, as well as numerous hospital birthing representatives and community partners. The participating hospitals were St. John's Riverside Hospital, Westchester Medical Center, and Phelps Hospital. The forum was well attended and impactful. The information shared shed light on the status of maternal mortality and morbidity in Westchester County, and highlighted initiatives to improve and sustain better outcomes. Learn More: www.wbmcce.org

Sister to Sister International to Host Its 3rd Annual Day of Action Conference A Thought-Provoking Day of Recognition, Education, and Action with Asha Castleberry-Hernandez and Dr. Uché Blackstock Contact Information: Sister to Sister International Media Contact: Gloria Cunningham Phone: 914.830.8584 Email: coachgloria@theambitioiussoul.com Yonkers, NY - On Saturday, April 20, 2024, Sister to Sister International (STSI) will host its third Annual Day of Action, where the importance of STEM education and careers will be showcased, and how health disparities have a profound effect on Black and Brown women and girls will be front and center on the agenda. This yearly event is carefully curated to highlight topics that inform and empower—and this year’s theme of Recognition, Education, and Action will not disappoint! Participants will have the opportunity to review evidence-based data that support health inequities while engaged in spirited discussions and breakout sessions as potential solutions are shared and explored for STSI’s 4 pillars. “Since its formation in 1994, the mission, vision, and efforts of STSI have been rooted in a solution-focused trajectory. Our successes are attributed to a dedicated Board of Directors, staff, consultants, volunteers, and the unwavering support of our community partners,” stated Cheryl Brannan, Founder of STSI and the Westchester Black Maternal Child Center for Excellence (WBMCCE). Joining STSI to infuse the room with the empowering essence of Black and Brown women and girl magic will be Dr. Uché Blackstock and  Asha Castleberry-Hernandez. Dr. Uché Blackstock, a physician and New York Times bestselling author will engage participants in a intriguing Fireside Chat. Dr. Blackstock is renowned for her advocacy against the structural biases and racism prevalent in healthcare and is the founder and CEO of Advancing Health Equity, a frequent guest on MSNBC and NBC News, and a former associate professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine, as well as the former faculty director for recruitment, retention, and inclusion in the Office of Diversity Affairs at NYU School of Medicine. As an added bonus, each event ticket purchase will include a signed copy of Dr. Uché Blackstock's book, LEGACY. Asha Castleberry-Hernandez National Security Expert will deliver a highly anticipated morning Keynote Address. Her distinguished career includes serving as a senior advisor at the U.S. State Department and holding the rank of Major in the U.S. Army Reserves. Notably, she has fulfilled roles such as a Kuwait desk officer at U.S. Army Central, focusing on security cooperation with the Office of Military Cooperation and the Kuwait Ministry of Defense. Castleberry-Hernandez has also been a senior key leadership engagement officer for the Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq and Kuwait. During the Obama administration, she contributed to peacekeeping operations in the African continent at the U.S. Mission at the United Nations. Pillar updates and break-out sessions, will include Health and wellness; STEM & STEAM careers; Entrepreneurship, pay equity and economic prosperity; and Juvenile and social justice. The 2024 Day of Action Conference will also spotlight STEM students majoring in health and medicine and recognize various community partners for their support with our collective impact efforts. Event Information: Date: Saturday, April 20, 2024 Time: 10:00 AM-4:00 PM Location:  Grinton L. Will Public Library |1500 Central Park Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10710 | Free On-site Parking For Ticket Purchase and Sponsorship Opportunities: https://www.s2si.org/event-details/day-of-recognition-education-action-2024 Sister to Sister International, Inc. (STSI) is a nonprofit, non-governmental organization dedicated to uniting women, girls, and families of African descent worldwide by facilitating access to resources that empower, support, and enhance their lives. This mission is achieved through advocacy, education, and the celebration of African culture.

New Rochelle, NY, 11/04/2023: The Jean-Claude Lovinsky Memorial Scholarship Committee was pleased to sponsor their 12th Annual Scholarship Fundraising Dinner at Iona University on Saturday, November 4, 2023. The late Mr. Lovinsky was a long-time employee at Iona University and his life’s mission was to serve others here in the US and in his native Haiti. He was an active member at Church of the Holy Family, in New Rochelle and an advocate for social justice. After his sudden passing in 2007, his family partnered with Iona University to create the Jean-Claude Memorial Scholarship Committee that awards scholarships to students of Caribbean heritage that demonstrate true humanitarian character. This year’s recipients were Sonia Aweh and Ashley Nunez. The Pillar of the Community Award recipient was awarded to Cheryl Brannan, and presented by Deputy County Executive Ken Jenkins, an Iona alumnus. Mrs. Lovinsky, the wife of the late Jean Claude, stated that his life’s mission was to serve his community, and Ms. Brannan’s work and commitment beautifully reflects his spirit and example. She is being recognized as the Founder & Executive Director of Sister to Sister International, Inc., who has been a pillar and trailblazer in the community for over three decades. She has continuously dedicated herself to uplifting Black women, girls and families throughout Westchester County and beyond. The last recipient of this award was the late Hon. Pearl C. Quarles, prior to the pandemic in 2019. Cheryl Brannan, accepted the award and expressed her gratitude for her over forty guests, including her immediate family, STSI members, community partners and elected officials Hon. Shawyn Patterson Howard, Hon. Terry Clements and Supreme Court Judge Janet Malone, along various candidates, and friends. She thanked the Deputy County Executive Ken Jenkins for his commitment to service and friendship over the years, along with Tsahai Amazan, a dedicated scholarship committee member for the nomination. Cheryl stated that the award was very special to her in that the previous recipient was the late great Hon. Pearl C. Quarles, her dear friend and role model. She also lifted up the theme “I am, because we are” during her acceptance speech. A beautiful awe-inspiring praise dance was performed by New Rochelle resident and pillar, Vera Cheek, also an STSI Board member. She dedicated the dance to Cheryl Brannan and her founding family members, mother Jeanette Ray and aunt Rose Taylor. Also, awarded was Rick Palladino ’76, ’89, Director of Libraries at Iona University, a dedicated 40 Year Employee who also worked alongside the late John Claude Lovinsky. Scholarship committee members included Louzane Amazan, Tashai Amazan, Ann Marie Johnson, Eydie Jordan, Shirley LeBlanc, Lelienne Lovinsky, Nathalie Lovinsky, Genevieve Thompson, Edna Viez and Kathryn Wiegand. ############### Click below to view pictures from the event:

New York State Report This report summarizes the activities of the New York State Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Advisory Council, as well as details the Council’s key recommendations to prevent maternal mortality, morbidity, and related disparities. These recommendations are designed to improve the experience of care and outcomes for birthing people across New York State. A specific emphasis is placed on recommendations that address racial and ethnic disparities in maternal health outcomes. It is important to note that in the Findings Section of the report, the term ‘women’ is used, whereas in other sections of the report, the term ‘birthing people’ is used. The findings were based on review of pregnancy-associated deaths in 2018, and this cohort was restricted to individuals identified as female on the death certificate and/or hospital discharge records. The Department is committed to gender-inclusivity, and therefore, the term ‘birthing people’ is used throughout the rest of the report, where appropriate.

New York State Report The New York State Department of Health (Department) would like to acknowledge the 386 New York women who died in the years 2018, 2019, and 2020 within one year of being pregnant, forever affecting their families, friends, and communities. The Department would also like to acknowledge that pregnant people express many different gender identities. The Department is dedicated to learning from their stories and applying the lessons learned to help prevent future deaths for all pregnant people. PURPOSE OF REPORT Maternal deaths are devastating events with profound and prolonged effects on families and other survivors, as well as a public health issue of critical importance. The United States is one of the only countries in the world that has seen a rise in the maternal mortality ratio since 2000. Black women in the United States die at more than double the rate of White women.1 The number of maternal deaths in New York State and the persistent disparities in the maternal mortality ratio between Black and White women are urgent concerns. In response to this public health issue, the New York State Department of Health (the Department) created the Maternal Mortality Review Initiative in 2010 to perform a comprehensive review of maternal deaths. When the Maternal Mortality Review Initiative was created, New York ranked 46th out of 50 U.S. states for its maternal mortality ratio, a standard measure from the World Health Organization that is based on obstetric death codes indicating a pregnancy within 42 days prior to death. New York State improved to 15th out of 50 states in the most recent ranking.2 According to New York State vital statistics, the 2018-2020 maternal mortality ratio of 19.3 deaths per 100,000 live births was an improvement over the ratio of 24.4 for 2008-2010; the 2018-2020 maternal mortality ratio for Black women was over four times that of White women.3 Public Health Law Section 2509, enacted in 2019, established a Maternal Mortality Review Board, in the Department, to review each pregnancy-associated death.4 Public Health Law also allows the city of New York to establish their own board. The reviews covered by this report were performed by two boards (also known as committees): the New York State Maternal Mortality Review Board reviewed cases of pregnancy-associated deaths that occurred outside of New York City, and the New York City Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee reviewed cases of pregnancy-associated deaths that occurred within New York City. Section 2509 also established the Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Advisory Council, which is comprised of multidisciplinary experts and lay persons knowledgeable in the fields of maternal mortality, women's health, and public health. Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Advisory Council members serve and are representative of the racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic diversity of the women and mothers of the state. The Advisory Council may review findings of the boards and develop their own recommendations on policies, best practices, and strategies to prevent maternal mortality and morbidity. The committees’ case review efforts are consistent with the objectives of the Prevention Agenda 2019-2024: New York’s State Health Improvement Plan. The Plan aims to implement public health approaches and cross-sector partnerships to reduce, and eventually eliminate, maternal mortality and the associated racial and ethnic disparities in the state.