Author: sHq_LoGiNz

The first-of-its-kind brunch united influential women, including author and TV personality Porsha Williams, “Good Morning America’s” Janai Norman, and NBC4 New York/WNBC’s Natalie Pasquarella for heartfelt conversations about maternal and infant health.

NEW YORK, Oct. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Today, March of Dimes hosted “The Collective” as part of its signature It Starts With Mom campaign convening CEOs, changemakers, and advocates for an inspiring discussion on how the power of personal experience can drive systemic change. The event was emceed by Natalie Pasquarella, anchor for NBC4 New York/WNBC, who helped weave together the stories and themes that shaped the morning’s discussion.

The conversation “From Personal to Powerful: Stories Driving Change for Moms and Babies“ was moderated by Janai Norman, co-anchor of “Good Morning America” and featured a deeply moving panel with heartfelt conversation centered on how lived experiences can shape change. Panelists included Porsha Williams, author and TV personality; Adrianna Carrig, founder and CBO of Little Words Project; Dr. May Lee Tjoa, Senior Global Medical Affairs Leader at Johnson & Johnson, and Elizabeth Caulder, CEO of Phoenix Lifestyle Marketing Group.

“Every statistic we talk about, whether it’s preterm birth or maternal mortality, represents a family, a mom, a baby who deserves the best possible start,” said Cindy Rahman, President and CEO of March of Dimes. “Today’s event was a powerful reminder that real change starts when we listen to women’s stories, and when partners come together to turn those stories into action. We’re proud to stand with our supporters who share our mission to fight for the health of all moms and babies.”

Throughout the conversation, speakers reflected on the profound connection between their personal experiences and their professional missions—from Williams’ maternal health advocacy and Caulder’s journey of loss and healing, to Carrig’s experience in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), and Dr. Tjoa’s role advancing innovation in maternal-fetal medicine.

“We can’t fix what we won’t face. I’m honored to stand with March of Dimes and share my story. When we speak out, we help others feel seen, heard, and empowered to push for better care,” said Porsha Williams, March of Dimes Celebrity Advocate Council Member. “There’s so much more work to do, especially for Black moms. But today reminded me that we’re not in this alone.”

The Collective was supported by a powerful group of partners whose ongoing collaboration fuels the March of Dimes mission. Premier sponsor Johnson & Johnson joined Supportive sponsors The Honest Company and Momcozy; Event sponsors Garrison Financial Group and Blue Cross Blue Shield Association; and Media partner The Bump. National It Starts With Mom campaign partners include HCA Healthcare, Clearblue, and Sanofi. March of Dimes National partner, Philips Healthcare and Philips Avent, highlighted their collaboration with March of Dimes as a powerful example of thought leadership in action, translating shared insights into tangible solutions for moms and moms-to-be.

Little Words Project, Broadwick Fibers, and Crayola Flowers were featured through interactive and creative moments during the event.

As the nation continues to face persistently high and inequitable rates of maternal mortality and preterm birth, March of Dimes leads the fight for the health of all moms and babies through research, education, advocacy, programs, and partnerships. The Collective is both a celebration of stories and a rallying cry for action—because behind every statistic is a family, reminding participants that everyone has a role to play in creating a healthy future for families.

To learn more and get involved, visit marchofdimes.org/itstartswithmom. For more about March of Dimes’ work to improve maternal and infant health, visit marchofdimes.org.

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SOURCE March of Dimes Inc.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Oct. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Pacify Health, a leading provider of a multimodal maternal health platform offering members access to in-person and virtual doula care, and 24/7 virtual lactation support, today announced a strategic collaboration with Community Care Plan (CCP). The collaboration will provide specialized, wraparound maternal health services to CCP members with the aim of addressing gaps in maternal health in the region. This collaboration will increase access to comprehensive, evidence-based, doula-led support through Pacify’s network of certified doulas and International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) to pregnant and postpartum individuals across 19 Florida Counties.

Addressing Critical Maternal Health Needs in Florida

This collaboration comes at a critical time as, not unlike the rest of the country, Florida continues to face gaps in providing access to maternal health support at scale. According to the most recent data from the CDC, the U.S. maternal mortality rate was 18.6 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2023, showing an improvement from 22.3 in 2022. Florida’s ongoing efforts to address these rates make enhanced maternal care services an urgent priority as maternal mortality remains a pressing concern, with the state reporting a maternal mortality rate averaging 24.1 per 100,000 live births from 2018 – 2022 2022, and a slight increase in preterm births reported in 2023 according to the 2024 March of Dimes report. Incorporating doula support is an opportunity to address these challenges and has been shown to:

• 
  Reduce cesarean rates by up to 47%,
  
• 
  Increase postpartum care visits by ~46%,
• 
  Reduce preterm births by 29%
  
• 
  Lower odds of postpartum depression/postpartum anxiety by 57.5%
  

“Community Care Plan’s commitment to improving maternal health outcomes aligns perfectly with Pacify’s mission to provide accessible, evidence-based support throughout the pregnancy journey and beyond,” said Jennifer Sargent, CEO at Pacify Health. “By collaborating with Community Care Plan, we can reach more families who need these vital services, particularly in communities facing healthcare disparities and in rural areas where access to maternal care services remain limited.”

The Florida Department of Health has established initiatives like the Florida Maternal Mental Health Collaborative to address maternal mental health needs, recognizing that good mental health before, during, and after pregnancy positively impacts the health of both mother and child. The department has actively worked to strengthen knowledge related to maternal mental health and expand services throughout the state.

Evidence-Based Care for Healthier Families

Through this collaboration, eligible CCP members will gain access to Pacify’s multimodal maternal care platform, which includes:

• Virtual prenatal support with certified doulas
• Birth planning guidance
• 24/7 on-demand infant feeding support with IBCLCs
• Postpartum recovery assistance
• Access to in-person doula support in select areas
• Access to a library of educational resources, and messaging and scheduling tools through the app, which supports both English and Spanish speakers

Research consistently demonstrates that doula support is associated with better birth outcomes. A nationwide study involving Florida participants found that individuals receiving doula care were more likely to have improved health outcomes, including lower rates of cesarean births and higher breastfeeding initiation rates. Yet, despite these benefits, nationwide surveys estimate that only about 6% of births involve doula support.

Expanding Access to Wraparound Care

“At Community Care Plan, we are dedicated to providing best-practice wraparound care that supports healthier families across South Florida,” said Dr. Miguel Venereo, SVP and Chief Medical Officer at Community Care Plan. “Together with our Before Baby & Beyond program, the collaboration with Pacify reinforces our commitment to enhancing access to essential maternal health services and addressing the unique needs of our members during pregnancy and postpartum.”

Community Care Plan, established in 2000 and jointly owned by Broward Health (North Broward Hospital District) and Memorial Healthcare System (South Broward Hospital District), serves over 160,000 members across various health plans and managed care programs.

“This collaboration represents a significant step forward in supporting Florida’s ongoing efforts to improve maternal health outcomes,” added Dr. Miguel Venereo, SVP and Chief Medical Officer at Community Care Plan. “By increasing access to doula and lactation support services, we’re providing essential care that can help reduce maternal mortality rates and support healthier beginnings for Florida families.”

Community Care Plan is a managed care plan with a Florida Medicaid contract in Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, Collier, Desoto, Glades, Hendry, Indian River, Lee, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Sarasota, Seminole, and St. Lucie counties.

The benefit information provided is a brief summary, not a complete description of benefits. For more information, contact the Managed Care Plan. Limitations, copayments, and/or restrictions may apply. Benefits, formulary, pharmacy network, premium and/or co-payments/co-insurance may change.

About Pacify Health

Pacify Health is a leader in tech-enabled maternity care solutions, providing families with guidance from certified in-person and virtual doulas and lactation consultants, leveraging an innovative digital platform aimed at improving patient experience and satisfaction. Committed to improving healthcare equity, Pacify breaks down barriers in maternal health by offering personalized, accessible support to parents throughout their pregnancy and postpartum journey with a network of culturally compassionate, and specially trained providers. For more information, visit www.pacify.com.

About Community Care Plan

Community Care Plan, the health plan with a heart, was created in 2000 as South Florida Community Care Network and is based in Sunrise, Florida. We are owned by two large, well-respected hospitals, Broward Health (North Broward Hospital District) and Memorial Healthcare System (South Broward Hospital District). We serve over 165,000 members in Florida Healthy Kids, Medicaid, self-insured employee health plans, and uninsured programs (managed by SydCura, our third-party administration division). We strive to ensure that every community has access to high-quality, affordable healthcare.

For more information, please visit www.CCPcares.org. 

Pacify Contact:

Kaitlyn Tuson

media@hellohelio.com

Community Care Plan Contact:
Suzanne Tamargo
stamargo@ccpcares.org

References

Hoyert, D. L. (2025). Maternal Mortality Rates in the United States, 2023. NCHS Health E-Stats. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/hestat/maternal-mortality/2023/Estat-maternal-mortality.pdf

Florida Department of Health. (2018). Florida Health Working to Improve Maternal Mental Health Outcomes. Retrieved from https://www.floridahealth.gov/newsroom/2018/10/100318-maternal-mental-health-pr.html

The Lancet. (2022). Doula care across the maternity care continuum and impact on maternal health: Evaluation of doula programs across three states using propensity score matching. eClinicalMedicine. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/eclinm/article/PIIS2589-5370(22)00261-9/fulltext

Declercq, E.R., Sakala, C., Corry, M.P., Applebaum, S., & Herrlich, A. (2013). Listening to Mothers SM III: Pregnancy and Birth. New York: Childbirth Connection. Referenced in DC Metro Doulas (2021): https://dcmetromaternity.com/statistics-about-birth-in-the-united-states/

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation. (2022). Doula Care and Maternal Health: An Evidence Review. Issue Brief No. HP-2022-24. https://aspe.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/documents/dfcd768f1caf6fabf3d281f762e8d068/ASPE-Doula-Issue-Brief-12-13-22.pdf

Broward Health. (2024). Community Care Plan. https://www.browardhealth.org/pages/community-care-plan

Florida Department of Health. (2022). Maternal Deaths – Florida Health CHARTS. Retrieved from https://www.flhealthcharts.gov/ChartsReports/rdPage.aspx?rdReport=InfantDeath.DataViewer&cid=0392

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SOURCE Pacify

SÃO PAULO, Oct. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Sigma Lithium Corporation (NASDAQ: SGML), a leading global lithium producer dedicated to powering the next generation of batteries for electric vehicles and energy storage systems with socially and environmentally sustainable lithium concentrate, announces today that the company´s US-listed shares (NASDAQ:SGML) have been added to the Morgan Stanley National Security Stock Index (Bloomberg: MSXXNSEC).

The Morgan Stanley National Security Index is a thematic equity index developed by Morgan Stanley to track publicly listed companies whose operations, products or technologies contribute to national security, supply chain resilience and strategic infrastructure. The index includes leading US-listed firms engaged in several activities connected to technologies across industries such as defense, battery materials, cybersecurity, energy (including nuclear) reflecting the importance of these industrial complexes.

In addition to Sigma Lithium, the index includes other leading US-listed producers of strategic materials such as Albermarle (lithium), Freeport-McMoRan (copper), First Quantum Minerals (copper), Cameco Corp (uranium), MP Materials (rare earths), Lithium Americas (lithium), Centrus Energy Corp (uranium), NioCorp Developments (rare earths), USA Rare Earth (rare earths), Ivanhoe Electric (rare earths), among others. The index also includes Tesla (technology, batteries).

ABOUT SIGMA LITHIUM

Sigma Lithium (NASDAQ: SGML, TSXV: SGML, BVMF: S2GM34) is a leading global lithium producer dedicated to powering the next generation of batteries for electric vehicles and energy storage systems with carbon neutral, socially and environmentally sustainable chemical-grade lithium concentrate.

The Company operates one of the world’s largest lithium production sites—the fifth-largest industrial-mineral complex for lithium oxide—at its Grota do Cirilo Operation in Brazil. Sigma Lithium is at the forefront of environmental and social sustainability in the battery materials supply chain, producing Quintuple Zero Green Lithium: made with zero carbon, zero coal power, zero tailings dams, zero utilization of potable water and zero use of hazardous chemicals.

Sigma Lithium currently produces 270,000 tonnes of lithium oxide concentrate on an annualized basis (approximately 38,000–40,000 tonnes of LCE) at its state-of-the-art Greentech Industrial Lithium Plant. The Company is now constructing a second plant to double production capacity to 520,000 tonnes of lithium oxide concentrate (approximately 77,000–80,000 tonnes of LCE).

For more information about Sigma Lithium, visit our website 

Sigma Lithium
LinkedIn: Sigma Lithium
Instagram: @sigmalithium
Twitter: @SigmaLithium

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release includes certain “forward-looking information” under applicable Canadian and U.S. securities legislation, including but not limited to statements relating to timing and costs related to the general business and operational outlook of the Company, the environmental footprint of tailings and positive ecosystem impact relating thereto, donation and upcycling of tailings, timing and quantities relating to tailings and Green Lithium, achievements and projections relating to the Zero Tailings strategy, achievement of ramp-up volumes, production estimates and the operational status of the Grota do Cirilo Project, and other forward-looking information. All statements that address future plans, activities, events, estimates, expectations or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur is forward-looking information, including statements regarding the potential development of mineral resources and mineral reserves which may or may not occur. Forward-looking information contained herein is based on certain assumptions regarding, among other things: general economic and political conditions; the stable and supportive legislative, regulatory and community environment in Brazil; demand for lithium, including that such demand is supported by growth in the electric vehicle market; the Company’s market position and future financial and operating performance; the Company’s estimates of mineral resources and mineral reserves, including whether mineral resources will ever be developed into mineral reserves; and the Company’s ability to operate its mineral projects including that the Company will not experience any materials or equipment shortages, any labour or service provider outages or delays or any technical issues. Although management believes that the assumptions and expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that these assumptions and expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking information inherently involves and is subject to risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to that the market prices for lithium may not remain at current levels; and the market for electric vehicles and other large format batteries currently has limited market share and no assurances can be given for the rate at which this market will develop, if at all, which could affect the success of the Company and its ability to develop lithium operations. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. For more information on the risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause our actual results to differ from current expectations, please refer to the current annual information form of the Company and other public filings available under the Company’s profile at 


www.sedarplus.com


.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

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SOURCE Sigma Lithium Corporation

VERO BEACH, Fla., Oct. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Watercrest Myrtle Beach Assisted Living and Memory Care celebrates their recognition as the silver medal winner of the 2025 Best of the Beach Awards for Best Assisted Living Community. This is the second top distinction in the Best of the Beach awards for Watercrest Myrtle Beach after receiving the 2023 Best Assisted Living Community just 18 months after their grand opening.

The annual Best of the Beach publication, organized by The Sun News of Myrtle Beach, showcases the area’s premier businesses, people and places as voted by the community.  In this year’s contest more than 2,100 businesses, organizations, and individuals competed across 216 categories, and the community responded casting over 146,000 votes, a remarkable 24% increase from last year. This growth reflects the pride and enthusiasm Myrtle Beach residents have for supporting their local favorites.

“It is a great achievement to once again be voted a Best Assisted Living Community by our customers and peers in the Myrtle Beach area,” says Lauren Adams, Associate Executive Director of Watercrest Myrtle Beach.  “This award is a direct reflection from our seniors and their families solidifying our reputation for exceptional care and service honoring our seniors.”

Watercrest Myrtle Beach is an award-winning luxury senior living campus comprised of 76 assisted living and 22 memory care residences with resort-style amenities and exceptional care.  In the past year, the community was prestigiously recognized by U.S. News & World Report earning “Best Assisted Living Community” in the 2024-2025 Best Senior Living Communities Report, as well as the 800 Award by Reputation, a global leader in reputation performance management. The community boasts a stunning promenade, fireplace, signature water wall, cigar and scotch lounge, multiple dining venues, Southern style outdoor living spaces, art studio and gallery, and the coveted Spa W. Residents enjoy world-class wellness amenities including therapeutic live moss walls, a resort-style pool, light and salt therapy, and a state-of-the-art fitness and physical therapy center.

Watercrest Myrtle Beach is ideally located at 6151 Colline Verdi Way in Myrtle Beach, SC; for community information please call 843-483-6740.

About Watercrest Senior Living Group


Watercrest Senior Living Group was founded to honor our mothers and fathers, aspiring to become a beacon for quality in senior living by surpassing standards of care, service and associate training. Watercrest senior living communities are recognized for their luxury aesthetic, exceptional amenities, world-class care, and innovative memory care programming offering unparalleled service to seniors living with Alzheimer’s and dementia. An eight-time certified Great Place to Work, Watercrest specializes in the development and operations of assisted living and memory care communities and the growth of servant leaders.  For information, visit www.watercrestseniorliving.com.

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SOURCE Watercrest Senior Living Group

Celebrates Two Winning Teams at Montecito Club

SANTA BARBARA, Calif., Oct. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — St. Vincent’s Santa Barbara raised $170,000 at its 24th Annual Charity Golf Classic, held last week at the picturesque Montecito Club, where 21 teams teed off in support of vulnerable families in the community. The event culminated in two teams taking top honors in a spirited day of competition and camaraderie.

• Taking Men’s First Place Gross with a score of 53: Bhavik Patel, Mike Valpredo, Colby Lewis, and Chad Brock.
• Claiming First Place Mixed Net with a score of 57: Wendy Laub, Sandy Boneck, Linda Tennyson, Nancy Beaver.

The tournament, presented by The Sarah Lee Pascoe Foundation, brought together twenty-one teams for a day of competition and philanthropy benefiting St. Vincent’s Family Strengthening Program, which provides housing, early childhood education, and support services to at-risk mothers and their children.

“We are truly honored by the incredible turnout and the overwhelming support from our community,” said Rosa Paredes, CEO of St. Vincent’s. “With more golfing teams and sponsors than ever before, this year’s Classic raised an exceptional $170,000 to support at-risk mothers and their children. We are deeply grateful to The Sarah Lee Pascoe Foundation, as well as our dedicated Event Co-Chairs, Bill Cordero, Sr. and Drew Wakefield, whose leadership and passion were instrumental to this success. Their efforts—and the generosity of every participant and sponsor—not only provide critical funding but also shine a light on the transformative work happening every day at St. Vincent’s. Events like this remind us that our community stands beside these families as they build safe, stable, and hopeful futures.”

“I was in a relationship that I knew could end in losing my life. The Family Strengthening Program gave me the courage to leave,” said Maria, a former client of St. Vincent’s Family Strengthening Program. “I’ll never forget my son saying, ‘Mommy, we are safe now.’ St. Vincent’s provided childcare so I could continue school, helped me get my driver’s license and my first car, and connected me with legal support for child custody and protection. My son completed trauma treatment. I gained independence. Now I’m working toward becoming a Criminal Defense attorney and the best soccer and Jiu-Jitsu mom I can be.”

Event Highlights

The tournament featured 18 holes on Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, a brunch reception, silent auction, and dinner awards ceremony. Event Co-Chairs Bill Cordero, Sr. and Drew Wakefield guided participants through the day’s festivities.

The Sarah Lee Pascoe Foundation, the event’s Presentation Sponsor, has been a steadfast supporter of St. Vincent’s Family Strengthening Program for many years.

Birdie Sponsors

A record number of Birdie Sponsors – 19 in all — supported this year’s Classic: Ann Jackson Family Foundation, Bako Sweet, Brophy & Sons INC., Community West Bank, Cordero Painting Company, Cordero Real Estate, Cox Communications, David and Louise Borgatello, Farmers & Merchants Bank, Lash Construction, Lumi Funding Group, Matilija Pure Water Systems, Montesano Group Inc, Paul Cashman State Farm Insurance, Sattler Trust, Taylor Farms, The NewtMont Foundation, Vantage Point Media, and Wakefield 805.

Prizes and Silent Auction

Winning teams received prize packages featuring signature wines from Vincent Vineyards and gift cards from local restaurants. The event’s silent auction, featuring items valued at $17,000, drew enthusiastic bidding. St. Vincent’s thanks Vincent Vineyards, the event’s signature wine sponsor, and all local businesses who contributed to making the celebration a success.

About St. Vincent’s

Founded in 1858, St. Vincent’s is the oldest continuously operating social service agency in Santa Barbara County. Sponsored and operated by the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, the organization serves nearly 600 residents and clients daily through programs addressing homelessness, childcare, and basic needs with an emphasis on education, counseling, and family strengthening.

For more information about St. Vincent’s programs and volunteer opportunities, or to make a donation, please visit https://www.stvincents-sb.org/ or call 805-683-6381.

Video Assets:

Golf Classic 2025 Video
 

St. Vincent’s Family Strengthening Program

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SOURCE St. Vincent’s Santa Barbara