2026 Awardees
2026 Dr. Harold Keltz Distinguished Public Health Service Award to JumpStart for Dads
In just the past two years, JumpStart for Dads has made a significant positive impact on families in Westchester by mentoring new and expectant fathers to help them adjust to and embrace their new role.
From all across Westchester, 39 men have graduated from JumpStart, with another six currently enrolled. This free, 12-session virtual program, offers weekly hour-long sessions in which fathers gain support and coping skills, both from each other and from their older mentors, to help them reduce stress, depression and social isolation.
Offered in English or Spanish, the program fosters meaningful intergenerational relationships between Grandpa figures and young fathers. It helps fathers gain confidence and the skills to grow as a parent and a man. The program highlights the importance of fathers to children and to their mothers, and supports steady, stable engagement by fathers with their families, to bring strength to local families.
Ervan Ceasar and Dr. Vito Sessa of JumpStart for Dads
JumpStart for Dads is a program run by Grandpas United volunteers, under the auspices of the White Plains Youth Bureau. Grandpas United was founded by White Plains Youth Bureau Director Frank Williams, Jr., to support youth and inspire fathers, and JumpStart for Dads was an outgrowth of that program. Its co-directors are Dr. Vito Sessa and Ervan Caesar.
Williams, Sessa and Caesar created the program to address the epidemic of fatherlessness in America. About 17.8 million children lived without a father in the home, according to the U.S. Census (2023). The racial disparity is stark: 76.3% of White children and 67.4% of Hispanic children lived in two-parent homes, compared to 44.6% of Black children.
JumpStart for Dads has been featured on Good Morning America, The Kelly Clarkson Show, NPR Radio and numerous podcasts nationwide.
The Dr. Harold Keltz Distinguished Public Health Service Award recognizes individuals or organizations exemplifying an extraordinary commitment to public health service in our community. Named in memory of Dr. Harold Keltz, a dedicated pulmonologist who devoted his career to the compassionate care of tuberculosis patients in Westchester, the award serves as a tribute to his legacy of service.
2026 J.R. Tesone Youth Public Health Service Award to Breana Sinkfield-Tyler
Breana Sinkfield-Tyler is a New Rochelle High School senior and an aspiring hematologist/oncologist, whose impressive science research won her the 2025 National Gold Medal in Medicine and Health Science from the Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological, Scientific Olympics.
As a student intern in the Anna Nam Lab at Weill Cornell Medicine, Breana has conducted experiments on abnormal splicing and antisense oligonucleotides, which are synthetic, modified nucleic acids that bind to pre-mRNA to correct abnormal splicing, a major cause of genetic disorders. She also explored a genetic approach to treat CALR-driven blood cancers (mutations in the calreticulin gene, seen in two types of blood cancers. Breana explored alternative splicing as a therapeutic immunotherapy strategy. Her work also has earned her first place at the Somers Science Fair, and second place at the Westchester Science and Engineering Fair.
In January 2025, Breana founded Hope Runs Red, a youth-led not-for-profit group that seeks to raise awareness about genetic risks and fundraise toward a cure for blood cancers, diseases and disorders. Hope Runs Red aims to create a digital archive of survivor stories, inspire young people to pursue research or a career in hematology and oncology, advance research equity and expand solidarity among those impacted by blood conditions. The organization has raised more than $5,000, and has reached more than 10,000 people through in person and virtual events. Hope Runs Red has partnered with the Foundation for Women and Girls with Blood Disorders, the Hemophilia Association of New York and the Westchester Sickle Cell Outreach, and has held a blood drive with the New Rochelle Fire Department. To donate or for more information, email
Breana is a recreation volunteer at the Wartburg Rehabilitation Center in Mount Vernon and a blood center volunteer at the New York Blood Center in Rye. She is the Secretary of the New Rochelle NAACP Youth Council, and at New Rochelle High School, she is President of the Human Rights Coalition and the Science Honor Society. Breana received the 2026 Richard A. Berman Leadership Award for Human Rights from the Holocaust and Human Rights Education Center in Westchester. She plans to matriculate this fall at Yale University and to pursue an MD/PhD.
This award honors the memory of J.R. Tesone, a Westchester County Board of Health member who died in 2014. J.R. Tesone devoted his life to making summers safe and fun for hundreds of children. He found his calling as a camp counselor and later became the dedicated owner and director of Breezemont Day Camp in Armonk.
2026 Special Recognition Award to the Don Bosco Community Center
For 98 years, the Don Bosco Community Center has served the immigrant community in Port Chester, demonstrating compassion and commitment with its response to a range of public health needs.
The Don Bosco Community Center provides essential community services. Programs for children include a bilingual early childhood program, after school and Saturday enrichment, summer camp, a computer lab and the First Generation College Access Scholars Program, which provides preparation and coaching or talented high school students. Programs for adults and families include a food pantry, soup kitchen and family closet, English as a Second Language classes, and health and safety classes for day laborers and trade workers.
Starting in 2025, the Don Bosco Community Center became a valued partner to the Westchester County Department of Health by regularly hosting programs and services of the Department. The County Health Department vaccinated residents there at two flu clinics, shared health information about vaccines and biweekly, has brought Navigators to the Center to help its clients gain access to health insurance. The Health Department also offers on-the-spot blood pressure screenings and referrals for colorectal and breast cancer screenings.
Geraldine Hemmings-Salgado, Executive Director
To donate to this not-for-profit or to learn more about its many programs and services, reach Don Bosco Center at 914-939-0323 or at
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2026 Commissioner’s Award to Sister to Sister International, Inc
Sister to Sister International (STSI), a nonprofit organization based in Yonkers, is known for its exceptional leadership, service, and lasting partnerships in promoting the health and well-being of African American communities throughout Westchester County, with an emphasis on women and girls.
Grounded in a strong commitment to health equity, STSI addresses Social Determinants of Health such as access to quality healthcare, education, economic stability, and safe environments, acknowledging that these factors fundamentally influence health outcomes. Through education, advocacy, and community-focused programs, the organization fosters empowerment, expands access to equitable care, and actively confronts longstanding inequities and systemic injustice.
For over thirty years, under the leadership of its founder, Dr. Cheryl Brannan, a respected health equity expert, educator, and strategist, along with a dedicated Board of Directors and staff, STSI has amplified community voices, strengthened partnerships with Westchester County government and regional stakeholders, and promoted sustainable, equity-focused solutions
Dr. Cheryl Brannan, Founder
A pivotal moment in this work was Dr. Brannan’s influential 2019 report, "Still I Rise: Status of Black Women & Girls in Westchester County," which uncovered significant disparities in health and wellness, particularly in Black maternal health outcomes. These findings led to the creation of the Westchester Black Maternal & Child Center of Excellence (WBMCCE), a pioneering, cross-sector initiative developed with support from Westchester County Government and other stakeholders to address and reduce maternal health inequities in Westchester County.
Building on this foundation, STSI has advanced critical initiatives, including the Westchester County Department of Health’s development of a maternal and child health data dashboard to monitor disparities and guide action, the convening of Birth Equity Town Halls with Legislator Jewel Williams-Johnson and community partners, and the expansion of culturally responsive care through support of frontline organizations such as Birth from the Earth Doula Services, St. John’s Riverside Hospital, and the Lower Hudson Valley Perinatal Network. STSI also played a key role in promoting the TeamBirth model at St. John’s Riverside Hospital, fostering respectful, patient-centered maternity care.
Beyond maternal health, STSI continues to invest in the future through initiatives such as its STEAM Academy for girls, the “Knowing Your Stats is Where It’s At” campaign promoting heart health awareness, and "Dare to Be a Doctor," which encourages and supports African American students pursuing careers in medicine. STSI’s work has received widespread recognition, including the 2023 Nonprofit Westchester Keep Westchester Thriving Organizational Award. Dr. Brannan’s leadership has earned numerous honors, such as the Iona University Jean Claude Lovinsky Pillar of the Community Award, induction into the Westchester County Women’s Hall of Fame, designation as a New York State Woman of Distinction, and national accolades for advancing Black maternal health.