Community Leaders, Healthcare Professionals, and Advocates Unite to Advance Safe, Equitable, and Respectful Maternal Care
Dr. Cheryl Brannan, founder of Sister to Sister International (STSI) and the Westchester Black Maternal
Child Center for Excellence (WBMCCE) participated in the press conference at St. John’s Riverside Hospital, announcing the launch of the TeamBirth initiative.
“This milestone marks a significant step toward advancing equitable, respectful, and patient-centered maternal care in Westchester County. TeamBirth is more than a model—it’s a commitment to listening to mothers, dismantling systemic inequities, and ensuring dignity and compassion are at the heart of every birthing experience. TeamBirth is the answer, and we have been pleased to collaborate with St. John’s Riverside Hospital as a community partner over the past three years,” Dr. Brannan shared.
The Westchester Black Maternal and Child Center of Excellence (WBMCCE) is a STSI offering dedicated to improving Black maternal and child health outcomes through advocacy, research, education, and culturally tailored care models. The WBMCCE works to eliminate racial disparities in maternal health by building partnerships, engaging communities, and promoting systemic change.
TeamBirth, developed by Ariadne Labs, is an innovative, evidence-based care model that transforms the
birthing experience by centering open communication, shared decision-making, and mutual respect between birthing individuals, their support networks, and clinical care teams. Its proven approach directly addresses disparities in maternal health outcomes, especially those impacting Black and Brown women at disproportionately high rates.
In attendance for the announcement were Ken W. Jenkins, Westchester County Executive, New York State
Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins; Legislator Jewel Williams; Legislator Shanae Williams; Dr. Suzanne Greenidge (SJRH and owner of Woman to Woman OB/GYN–Yonkers); Abigail Slattery, Clinical Implementation Specialist for TeamBirth; Sister to Sister International WBMCCE Consultants Cheryl Hunter-Grant and Beryl Weaver; and a host of community partners, hospital leadership, and staff—each standing in solidarity to create safer, more equitable birthing experiences.
CE Jenkins notably shared that Westchester County allocated monetary support to the TeamBirth program, underscoring the County’s commitment to addressing disparities and improving maternal and infant health outcomes. He also emphasized the historic nature of the occasion, as St. John’s Riverside Hospital is the first hospital in Westchester County to implement TeamBirth’s groundbreaking program.
“With all that is currently going on in our country, the launch of TeamBirth is more important than ever
for people of color,” said Legislator Jewel Williams.
“This is about equity, empowerment, and ensuring that communities that have been most marginalized in maternal health have access to the best possible care.”
Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins reflected on her own motherhood experience, saying, “My greatest title is mother.” She thanked Ron Corti, President and CEO of St. John’s Riverside Hospital, noting that “when the conversation about infant mortality began, he was front and center.” She praised the team-based approach of TeamBirth, adding, “When critical decisions are to be made, the team comes together—it makes so much sense.”
Stewart-Cousins reaffirmed that “The State is here to create healthier outcomes” and shared the funding structure of the Baby to Baby initiative, emphasizing the importance of supporting families at every
stage.
“TeamBirth’s guiding principles perfectly align with our vision for maternal care that is safe, equitable,
and respectful,” said Suzanne Greenidge, MD. “This approach ensures that the voices of mothers are heard and valued, while the care team works in true partnership with families.”
As a trusted community partner, the WBMCCE will play an active role in supporting TeamBirth’s success at St. John’s Riverside Hospital by providing culturally responsive expertise, fostering community engagement, and ensuring the program reflects the voices and needs of local families.
In closing remarks, Dr. Brannan said, “St. John’s Riverside Hospital is community strong, STSI is on the
MOVE, Team Birth is a Game Changer, and Westchester is “Bestchester.” We are Better Together, and
patients at SJRH will reap the benefits!
