Katie Couric, Christy Turlington Burns highlight women’s health at East Hampton luncheon

Katie Couric and Christy Turlington Burns spoke about women’s health, maternal care and access to quality healthcare at the Southampton Hospital Foundation’s East Hampton Emergency Department Luncheon on July 9 at Maidstone Club. The event raised funds for the Stony Brook East Hampton Emergency Department, which has served more than 13,500 patients since opening in May 2025.

Why it matters: - The luncheon raised money for the Stony Brook East Hampton Emergency Department, which is helping meet emergency care needs on the East End. - The event also put a spotlight on women’s health, maternal health and access to care, issues with direct public health impact. - Since opening in May 2025, the EHED has served more than 13,500 patients.

What happened: - The Southampton Hospital Foundation held its 6th Annual East Hampton Emergency Department Luncheon on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at Maidstone Club in East Hampton. - Katie Couric moderated a conversation with Christy Turlington Burns during the program. - Couric is an award-winning journalist, bestselling author and co-founder of Katie Couric Media. - Turlington Burns is the founder and president of Every Mother Counts. - Guests attended in support of the Stony Brook East Hampton Emergency Department. - The luncheon was chaired by Jill Davis, Kate Davis, Kristin Douglass, Hollis Forbes, Liz Lange and Mary Margaret Trousdale.

The details: - The discussion focused on women’s health, wellness, philanthropy, motherhood and access to high-quality healthcare. - Couric and Turlington Burns discussed personal experiences that shaped their advocacy. - The conversation centered on empowering women to take an active role in their health and expanding research and education focused on women’s health. - Turlington Burns previewed her documentary, "Perilous Passage: Birth in America," which is now streaming on HBO and examines maternal health in the United States. - Turlington Burns said, "I became a global maternal health advocate the day that I became a mom." - Couric discussed "HORMONAL!," the latest project from Barolo Films, produced in partnership with Trilogy Films. - Couric said documentaries can help connect the dots on an issue, identify root causes and show possible solutions. - Couric added, "We want to start a movement and not just do a movie." - Notable guests included 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 had lunch overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

Between the lines: - The event blended philanthropy with public health advocacy, using a social fundraiser to amplify a broader message about women’s healthcare. - Couric’s and Turlington Burns’ remarks suggest the luncheon was designed to connect fundraising with awareness-building, not just entertainment. - The emphasis on maternal health and women’s health reflects growing attention to care gaps and education around these issues.

What's next: - Proceeds will continue supporting the Stony Brook East Hampton Emergency Department. - The Southampton Hospital Foundation directs private philanthropy toward Stony Brook Southampton Hospital’s healthcare services and clinical programs. - More information is available at the foundation’s website.