Consortium for Infant and Child Health (CINCH)

Consortium for Infant and Child Health (CINCH) CINCH enages the community to improve children's health in Hampton Roads. Spread the word: Every child has a right to good health!

The Black Maternal Health Action Alliance is excited to share information about Voices of Black Birth in Hampton Roads: ...
02/18/2026

The Black Maternal Health Action Alliance is excited to share information about Voices of Black Birth in Hampton Roads: Maternal Monologues. This storytelling initiative centers Black birthing experiences to raise awareness, inform action, and help reduce Black maternal mortality. Maternal Monologues are first-person narratives of real experiences related to Black maternal health. Participants will work with a Maternal Monologues team member to develop and/or present their story in a way that feels accurate and empowering, and to share it during Black Maternal Health Week and beyond. Participants will also have an opportunity to share their stories at multiple events, including our Maternal Monologues premier on Tuesday, April 14 from 6 – 8 pm.

We are reaching out to share information about this project and to invite you and your community to participate or help spread the word. We invite individuals to share maternal monologues that reflect real experiences related to Black maternal health.

We welcome stories from:
• Mothers/birthing persons
• Their partners and family members
• Birth workers and advocates

Monologues may reflect positive, negative, or in-between experiences related to pregnancy, birth, postpartum care, or loss. Every experience matters. These stories will help raise awareness and contribute to efforts to improve Black maternal health outcomes and reduce maternal mortality.

Stories can be shared during Black Maternal Health Week and beyond in any of the following formats:
• A short video recording
• A live or recorded presentation
• A one-page written monologue (submitted or read aloud by you or on your behalf)

By participating, you are helping to educate, advocate, and create meaningful change in maternal health care systems.

If you or someone you know is interested in sharing your story, please complete our brief interest survey here: https://evms.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8CF4cWrgi831fE2

Happy Black History Month from the Black Maternal Health Equity Alliance Action Team!This month, we give an extra specia...
02/06/2026

Happy Black History Month from the Black Maternal Health Equity Alliance Action Team!

This month, we give an extra special thanks to our black birth givers for their love and unwavering strength.
Black maternal health remains our mission as we continue the work of supporting, empowering, educating, and pushing for equitable change.

This month, BMHEAA will begin highlighting events across the 757 to encourage our mission, starting with the Portsmouth Community BABY Shower on Feb 14th from 10 am -2 pm!

Registration is required to attend. Register here: https://redcap.link/ctl9rlfe

For more details, please call 757-393-8585 Ext. 8519.

Yesterday, CINCH was proud to host our Annual Partners Meeting at EVMS Waitzer Hall, bringing together around 80 partner...
01/29/2026

Yesterday, CINCH was proud to host our Annual Partners Meeting at EVMS Waitzer Hall, bringing together around 80 partners and advocates both in person and via Zoom.

We reflected on key highlights from 2025, including the BMHEAA Conference, the Bash, convenings focused on Teen Health, and the continued success of our Bright Views Social-Emotional Learning curriculum. We also emphasized the importance of centering lived experiences in our work and were honored to debut Reclaiming Blactation's, video featuring short stories from Black breastfeeding women of all ages, amplifying voices that are too often unheard.

We presented our Champion for Children’s Health Awards, recognizing individuals and programs making a meaningful impact across our region:

Child Well-Being: Arianne Mattone, Certified Passenger Safety Technician

Health Equity: Teresita Hammond, Patient Experience & Community Outreach Coordinator, Sentara Norfolk General Hospital Family Maternity Center

Teen Well-Being: The YOUth Matter Program at LGBT Life Center — Isabella Velarde, Meley Tesfamariam, and Latasha Harris

A highlight of the day was our powerful panel discussion, “Priorities for Children’s Health and the Impacts of the Political, Scientific, and Economic Landscape,” featuring:

Dr. Eric Lowe, Chair, Department of Pediatrics, CHKD/EVMS

Dr. Nancy Welch, Chesapeake Health Director, Virginia Department of Health & Pediatrician

Dr. Wendy Schofer, Pediatrician & Lifestyle Physician, Family in Focus

Allison Gilbreath, MSW, Senior Policy & Programs Director, Voices for Virginia’s Children

Together, panelists helped us explore current threats to children’s health, actions that advocates and organizations can take, and how today’s political, scientific, and economic realities are shaping outcomes for children and families. We were reminded of the power of perspective, learning how dialogue can change narratives (Allison Gilbreath) and, when challenges feel overwhelming, the importance of focusing on the one good thing ( ).

Thank you to everyone who joined us and continues to show up for the advancement of children’s health across our communities.

🏆 Champion for Children’s Health – Child Well-BeingPlease join us in celebrating Arianne Mattone, Certified Passenger Sa...
01/29/2026

🏆 Champion for Children’s Health – Child Well-Being

Please join us in celebrating Arianne Mattone, Certified Passenger Safety Technician, as a CINCH Champion for Children’s Health.

Arianne’s work ensures families have the knowledge and support they need to keep children safe on the road. Through education, hands-on guidance, and advocacy, she helps prevent injuries and saves lives—strengthening child well-being one family at a time. We are grateful for her commitment to protecting children and supporting caregivers across our community.

🏆 Champion for Children’s Health – Teen Well-BeingCongratulations to The YOUth Matter Program at LGBT Life Center—Isabel...
01/29/2026

🏆 Champion for Children’s Health – Teen Well-Being

Congratulations to The YOUth Matter Program at LGBT Life Center—Isabella Velarde, Meley Tesfamariam, and Latasha Harris—our CINCH Champion for Children’s Health in Teen Well-Being.

YOUth Matter creates affirming, supportive spaces for LGBTQ+ youth, promoting mental health, resilience, and belonging. Through advocacy, education, and empowerment, this program addresses critical gaps in teen health and well-being. We celebrate their impact and their unwavering commitment to uplifting young people.

🏆 Champion for Children’s Health – Health EquityWe are honored to recognize Teresita Hammond, Patient Experience & Commu...
01/29/2026

🏆 Champion for Children’s Health – Health Equity

We are honored to recognize Teresita Hammond, Patient Experience & Community Outreach Coordinator, Sentara Norfolk General Hospital Family Maternity Center, as a CINCH Champion for Children’s Health.

Teresita’s dedication to health equity improves the experiences and outcomes of families during pregnancy, birth, and beyond. Her work bridges healthcare and community, ensuring families feel supported, respected, and empowered. Her leadership continues to advance equitable maternal and child health in our region.

As we reflect on 2025, we are deeply grateful to everyone who stood with us in this work. From students and staff, to co...
12/31/2025

As we reflect on 2025, we are deeply grateful to everyone who stood with us in this work. From students and staff, to community members and partners, each contribution—large and small—helped move our mission forward.

This year reminded us that meaningful progress in infant and child health is rooted in relationship, trust, and shared purpose. We are thankful for the time you shared, the knowledge you brought, and the commitment you continue to show to families and communities.

As we enter the new year, we wish you a safe, healthy, and restorative New Year. We look forward to continuing this work together in 2026.

The Black Maternal Health Equity Action Alliance (BMHEAA), an initiative of CINCH, continues to bring together community...
12/28/2025

The Black Maternal Health Equity Action Alliance (BMHEAA), an initiative of CINCH, continues to bring together community leaders, advocates, and partners committed to advancing Black maternal health through systems change and community-driven solutions.

As we look ahead, we’re preparing for an upcoming conference and additional events planned for Black Maternal Health Week 2026, creating space for learning, connection, and collective action. More details will be shared in the months to come.

CINCH is committed to authentic community collaboration, engagement, and action to advance equitable child health and sa...
12/26/2025

CINCH is committed to authentic community collaboration, engagement, and action to advance equitable child health and safe families throughout Eastern Virginia.

Check out our Key Pillars!

Community drives change—and we’re honored to be part of this work alongside you.

Convene - Establish and nurture relationships, bringing together diverse stakeholders to exchange ideas and insights.

Advocate - Support policies and initiatives that align with our mission and advance change at the local, state, and federal level, with a focus on policy, systems, and environment.

Inform & Educate - Disseminate accurate information and educational resources to empower individuals and communities.

Collaborate, Share, & Promote - Cultivate partnerships, share best practices and resources, and promote initiatives that amplify our impact.

Collect, Analyze, & Share Data - Systematically gather, analyze, and share data back to the community to identify gaps and inform decision-making

Policy & Programming - Develop, implement, and evaluate programming and policies to meet community needs

CINCH will be closed from December 24 through January 4 as we take time to rest and reflect. We are deeply grateful to o...
12/23/2025

CINCH will be closed from December 24 through January 4 as we take time to rest and reflect. We are deeply grateful to our community partners, families, and advocates who make this work possible. We look forward to reconnecting in the new year.

CINCH’s Black Maternal Health Equity Action Alliance (BMHEAA) was proud to be represented by our Outreach Coordinator, K...
12/11/2025

CINCH’s Black Maternal Health Equity Action Alliance (BMHEAA) was proud to be represented by our Outreach Coordinator, Kimia Allison, and McKenzie Creekmore at the Chesapeake Regional Medical Center Baby Expo!

This event brought families together to connect directly with community partners and resources. From giveaways to interactive activities, it offered support for those expecting a baby or navigating life with a newborn.

BMHEAA’s goal at the Expo was to introduce our Alliance and share how we are working to strengthen support for Black maternal health across our communities. We’re excited for the work ahead and the partnerships that will continue to move maternal health equity forward.

Happy Thanksgiving from CINCH! We’re grateful for the families, partners, and community members who work with us year-ro...
11/25/2025

Happy Thanksgiving from CINCH!

We’re grateful for the families, partners, and community members who work with us year-round to support the health and well-being of children across Hampton Roads.

Our office will be closed November 26–30. We’ll return on December 1 and look forward to reconnecting with you then.

Wishing you a safe, warm, and restorative holiday!

Address

855 W Brambleton Avenue
Norfolk, VA
23510

Opening Hours

9am - 5pm

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