Westchester Reporter

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins has announced the introduction of a new maternal health dashboard on the County Health Department's website in recognition of Black Maternal Health Week, which runs from April 11 to April 17. This new tool provides comprehensive data on maternal health and births in Westchester, aiming to improve Black maternal and child health outcomes and address racial healthcare disparities.

Jenkins emphasized the dashboard's role in aiding various stakeholders, stating, “This dashboard will help us track our progress as we work to improve Black maternal and child health outcomes and reduce racial healthcare inequities. This powerful tool can assist policymakers, advocates, grant funders, and program managers by informing their decisions with granular information about the root causes of birth outcomes, and can also point the way toward solutions.”

Launched in 2023, the Black Maternal Child Health Initiative addresses the heightened risks faced by Black women during pregnancy and childbirth. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported that in 2021, Black women were 2.6 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than White women, with increased chances of experiencing complications like asthma, hypertension, and gestational diabetes. The program, backed by $2 million from the County Health Department, partners with organizations like Sister to Sister International and St. John’s Riverside Hospital.

Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler highlighted the initiative's impact, noting, “The programs funded by this initiative can lift up Westchester women and families. Through a combination of provider training to increase patient participation in medical decision-making and improve the birth experience, along with an increase in home visits, prenatal and birthing consultations, health screenings, support groups, and referrals to other resources, these programs help families develop a solid foundation that can give each child a healthy start in life.”

Dr. Cheryl Brannan, founder of Sister to Sister International and the Westchester Black Maternal and Child Center of Excellence, expressed support for the initiative, adding: “Sister to Sister International (STSI) applauds County Executive Jenkins, Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Amler and their teams for their commitment to birth equity in Westchester County. Through our Westchester Black Maternal and Child Center of Excellence (WBMCCE) we have recommended partners for County funding, worked collaboratively on activities and events with the DOH, and are excited about their launch of the maternal health dashboard during Black Maternal Health Week.”