Yonkers event calls attention to disparities’ impact on Black maternal health

Yonkers-based organization Sister to Sister International, Inc. (STSI) held its Day of Recognition, Education and Action on Saturday, which included events addressing health disparities that impact Black communities. Black maternal health was one of the day’s topics. The organization and its community partners hosted a fireside chat with three medical experts: Dr. Uché Blackstock, Dr. Stephanie Lovinksy-Desir and Chiatogu Onyewu, M.D., Ph.D, who discussed the impacts that health disparities have on Black lives. “I want the public to hear and learn about the deep inequities in our health care system and the negative impacts on Black and communities of color,” Cheryl Brannan, founder and executive director of STSI said via email. “It was a very powerful event,” said Chiatogu Onyewu, M.D., Ph.D, board member of STSI and a fireside chat moderator. “Being in the space where the collective was really on the same page about advancing health and wellness and Black and brown communities…in a kind of holistic way. “It was really great and special to be a part of it.” Onyewu said.   Disparities and Black maternal health There’s a long history of health disparities impacting Black and brown communities that were highlighted at Saturday’s event. Blackstock explained some of...