WMCHealth Elected Lead Advocate for Maternal-Child Health Care in New York

Solidifying its position as a leading voice for maternal-child health in New York State, BCW Member Westchester Medical Center Health Network (WMCHealth) began 2024 with a four year-term as the organization leading the 17-member New York State Association of Regional Perinatal Programs & Networks (ARPPN).

Under the direction of perinatal specialists at the Network’s Westchester Medical Center and Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, WMCHealth was elected by peer hospitals to assume leadership of the ARPPN, which includes some of the top perinatal care hospitals in the nation. Since its inception more than 20 years ago, the ARPPN has served as the unified voice for New York State perinatal centers and a clearinghouse for perinatal care counsel, data, and advocacy for the New York State Department of Health.

Angela Silber, MD, FACOG, Section Chief, Maternal/Fetal Medicine at WMCHealth’s Westchester Medical Center and Edmund F. La Gamma, MD, FAAP, Section Chief of Newborn Medicine and Director of the Regional Neonatal Center at WMCHealth’s Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital will serve as co-chairs.

“As the newly appointed co-chair of the ARPPN, I am deeply honored to co-lead efforts that will enhance perinatal care,” said Dr. Silber. Our focus will be to develop and foster innovative strategies and tactics aimed at improving health outcomes of mothers and newborns across New York State. “Together, we will work tirelessly to ensure that every family received the highest standard of care during this pivotal time in their lives.”

Added Dr. La Gamma, “Our goal is to further enhance the influence of the ARPPN by representing our perinatal center colleagues and their affiliates in advising the Department of Health’s Maternal & Child Health Division on policy and strategies that advance perinatal health care, perinatal services and health equity in New York State through consensus and cooperation.’’