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EAST HAMPTON, NY, UNITED STATES, July 14, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — On Thursday, July 9, 2026, celebrated journalist, author, and co-founder of Katie Couric Media, Katie Couric, led a compelling discussion alongside globally recognized model and founder of Every Mother Counts, Christy Turlington Burns, during the Southampton Hospital Foundation's 6th Annual East Hampton Emergency Department Luncheon at the scenic Maidstone Club. Attendees came together to support the Stony Brook East Hampton Emergency Department (EHED).
The luncheon, organized by East Hampton residents Jill Davis, Kate Davis, Kristin Douglass, Hollis Forbes, Liz Lange, and Mary Margaret Trousdale, featured an open dialogue covering women's health, wellness, philanthropy, motherhood, and the critical need for equitable access to high-quality medical care.
During their conversation, Couric and Turlington Burns shared the personal journeys that fueled their advocacy work. They addressed the significance of accessible healthcare, encouraging women to take charge of their own well-being, and the push for greater research and education specifically targeting women’s health.
Turlington Burns offered a preview of her newest documentary, "Perilous Passage: Birth in America," currently available on HBO, which sheds light on maternal health challenges across the United States. “I became a global maternal health advocate the day that I became a mom,” she remarked.
Couric also discussed "HORMONAL!," the latest initiative from her production company Barolo Films, created in collaboration with Trilogy Films. “I feel like documentaries can be incredibly helpful to connect the dots and really show holistically an issue, what the root causes are and what some of the solutions are,” she explained. Highlighting her ambition to extend the project’s influence beyond the screen, Couric added, “We want to start a movement and not just do a movie.”
Among the distinguished attendees were Susan Forst, Bette-Ann Gwathmey, Suzanne Johnson, Beverly Kazickas, Allegra Kelly, Dale Leff, Martha Murray, Debbie Mackall, Southampton Hospital Foundation Board Chair Jackie Mitchell, Southampton Hospital Association Board Member Louise Phanstiel, Hilary Geary Ross, Southampton Hospital Foundation Board Member Jean Shafiroff, Ginny Schwerin, Patty Silverstein, Nancy Stone, Celeste Wecker, and Southampton Hospital Foundation Board Member Sarah Wetenhall.
After the program, guests enjoyed a meal overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, connecting with fellow supporters and friends of the Foundation.
Since its launch, the East Hampton Emergency Department Luncheon has generated over $1.5 million to advance emergency services on the East End. These funds directly benefit the Stony Brook East Hampton Emergency Department, ensuring that both residents and visitors have access to compassionate, expert emergency care close to home. Since opening in May 2025, the EHED has treated more than 13,500 patients, highlighting the urgent need for nearby emergency care.
For additional details about the Southampton Hospital Foundation, visit southamptonhospitalfoundation.org.
About Southampton Hospital Foundation, Inc. (SHF)
The Southampton Hospital Foundation, Inc., supports Stony Brook Southampton Hospital’s mission to deliver healthcare services and expand clinical programs to meet the needs of our community. We heighten awareness and maximize private philanthropy to advance the hospital’s mission. Our focus is on increasing critical philanthropic support to ensure high-quality healthcare for all of our East End neighbors.
About Stony Brook Southampton Hospital (SBSH)
With 120 beds, Stony Brook Southampton Hospital (SBSH) is staffed by more than 280 physicians, dentists, and allied health professionals representing 48 medical specialties. SBSH offers a diverse array of clinical services, ranging from primary medical care to specialized surgical procedures, including cardiac catheterization, orthopedics and bariatrics. The sole provider of emergency care on Long Island’s South Fork, Stony Brook Southampton Hospital is a designated Level III Trauma Center and primary stroke center. The hospital includes the Stony Brook East Hampton Emergency Department, The Phillips Family Cancer Center, a Heart and Stroke Center, Breast Health Center, The Center for Advanced Wound Healing, Wellness Institute, and 32 satellite care centers throughout the South Fork of Long Island. The hospital is the largest employer on the South Fork with more than 1,200 employees. To learn more, visit www.southampton.stonybrookmedicine.edu.
Nicole Barylski
Southampton Hospital Foundation
+1 631-726-8700
Nicole.Barylski@stonybrookmedicine.edu
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