Join Us for a Press Conference at St. John’s Riverside Hospital

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Yonkers – St. John’s Riverside Hospital is the first hospital in Westchester County to participate in the TeamBirth maternity program, which begins September 15th. TeamBirth improves care by ensuring people giving birth and the clinicians caring for them have shared input and understanding during the delivery of care.

TeamBirth was developed by Ariadne Labs, a joint center for health systems innovation at Brigham and Womenʼs Hospital and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. The program calls for team huddles at key decision points throughout the hospital stay. Huddles happen on admission to the hospital, with any changes to the patient or child’s condition, when decisions are made surrounding delivery and anytime the patient or a team member requests a huddle.

The huddle aspect of TeamBirth ensures that everyone involved in the birthing process is on the same page. The person giving birth – alongside any caregivers who are not part of hospital staff (doulas, spouses, parents of the expecting person, etc.) – convene with the labor and delivery staff to go over a birthing plan and any desires or expectations of the person giving birth. This ensures shared decision making between the new parent and hospital staff in case of any unexpected changes to the delivery plan.

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said: “Westchester County is proud to partner with St. John’s Riverside Hospital in providing the first opportunity for expectant mothers to participate in the TeamBirth Maternity Program in Westchester. By funding this Program as part of the County’s Maternal Mortality Initiative, we are sending a clear message to the many young mothers who may be facing disparities in their maternal care. In Westchester County, we are committed to breaking down those barriers and ensuring that every mother, regardless of race or zip code, receives the support and quality care she deserves. This initiative is a vital step towards building a healthier, more equitable future for our families and our communities."

“St. John’s has always been committed to meeting the needs of the community we serve, so we are thrilled to lead the TeamBirth initiative. Creating the space for open dialogue between people giving birth, their caregivers and our providers will enhance the experience for everyone”, said Herta Muller, Chief Nursing Officer of St. John’s Riverside Hospital.

Expected speakers include Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins, Clinical Implementation Specialist Abagael Slattery-Kumar of Ariadne Labs, New York State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, President & Founder of Sister to Sister International Cheryl Brannan, and Founder & CEO of Woman To Woman OB/GYN Dr. Suzanne Greenidge.

About St. John’s Riverside Hospital

St. John’s Riverside Hospital has been an integral part of its community since the 1869 and its commitment to providing the most advanced medical services available continues to be part of St. John's vision, mission, and values. St. John's built itself on an early foundation of nursing and community service. In 1894, the Cochran School of Nursing, the oldest hospital-based school of nursing in the metropolitan area, was founded, making the St. John's Nursing staff the backbone of the hospital. Approximately 400 physicians, representing almost every medical and surgical specialty, choose St. John’s for their patients’ care. St. John’s is a 3-campus hospital that includes St. John’s Andrus, Dobbs Ferry and ParkCare Pavilions. In addition, St. John’s serves behavioral health outpatients in Greenburgh and Mount Vernon. St. John’s is affiliated with Montefiore Medical Center. Please visit us on the web at RiversideHealth.org. Facebook: St. John’s | X: @SJRHtoday | Instagram: @stjohnsriversidehospital | YouTube: @SJRH1869 | LinkedIn: St. John’s

About Westchester County

Westchester County, located in the heart of the historic Hudson Valley, covers 500 square miles and has a population of just over 1 million. Originally home to Native Americans of the Lenape tribe, it is now a rich mix of diverse cultures and landscapes. The County is a blend of bustling cities, quaint villages, and picturesque towns, as well as open spaces and a network of beautiful parks. Westchester is made up of six cities, 19 towns, and 20 villages. The County is known for its top-notch public schools and high quality of life. It is also an intellectual capital, boasting a highly educated workforce, competitive colleges and universities, Fortune 500 companies, world-changing nonprofits, and cutting-edge research centers. Westchester is led by County Executive Kenneth W. Jenkins, who took office in January 2025 as the tenth County Executive. Focusing on innovation, Jenkins is leveraging technology and fostering business growth to position Westchester as a dynamic and inclusive destination where everyone can thrive. Learn more about Westchester County by visiting www.westchestergov.com.

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