New Mom Kits aim to combat cardiovascular disease in Westchester
OSSINING, N.Y., Nov. 3, 2025 — Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of maternal deaths in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, took action to address this crisis by distributing New Mom Kits to Open Door Care Network in Westchester County on Oct. 27.
The initiative, led by the American Heart Association and sponsored by Citi, benefits Westchester residents who are enrolled in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC). This program supports pregnant and postpartum women, infants and children up to five years of age. Each kit includes a blood pressure cuff validated for pregnancy, an Infant CPR Anytime kit, a reusable grocery bag and an educational pamphlet including a QR code linking to resources to further assist new mothers.
“This initiative reflects our commitment to advancing maternal health and supporting families at a critical time,” said Stephanie Barnhart, assistant global medical director at Citi. “By equipping new mothers with the tools and knowledge to monitor their cardiovascular health, we are helping to lay the foundation for healthier futures.”
A total of 25 kits were provided to Open Door’s WIC program director, Gina Devito, at the organization’s newest medical center in Ossining. These kits will be distributed at their six primary medical facilities across Westchester, helping mothers begin their postpartum journey with greater awareness and support for their cardiovascular health.
“Supporting maternal health is a public health priority, and this collaboration allows us to reach new mothers with critical tools and information,” said Devito. “By helping women monitor their blood pressure and access essential services, we are working to reduce preventable health risks and improve outcomes for families across our community.”
“Too many women are unaware of the risks cardiovascular disease poses during and after pregnancy,” said Kristen Alouisa, executive director of the American Heart Association in Westchester and Fairfield Counties. “These kits are a tangible way to support new moms with the information and tools they need to protect their health and their babies’ well-being.”
For more information about the New Mom Kits program or to learn how to support maternal health initiatives in your community, visit the Go Red for Women website.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Instagram, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries:
Bong Arquiza: Bong.Arquiza@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
