Consortium for Infant and Child Health (CINCH)

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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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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!

11/20/2025

Message for parents: Talk to your pediatrician about how to prevent RSV for your baby and keep baby out of the hospital!

Address

855 W Brambleton Avenue
Norfolk, VA
23510

Opening Hours

9am - 5pm

Website

http://www.cinchcoalition.org/

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