Publishing Giant Condé Nast Announces New Global Leadership Structure

U.S./New York-based Condé Nast and London-based Condé Nast International Are Integrated as One Global Team. New Consumer Marketing Function to Bring Focus on Direct-to-Consumer Efforts With Unified Commercial Team to Better Serve Global Clients’ Holistic Needs

New Leadership Structure is Expected to Help Further Turn the Financial Ship Around As Company Moves Beyond Closing and Selling Off Magazine Titles, Layoffs and Consolidation of Workforce Across All Titles

Long expected, Condé Nast yesterday appointed a new global leadership team designed to accelerate the company’s evolution into a 21st-century media company. The new organizational structure, which combines Condé Nast and Condé Nast International into a unified global team, was created with several guiding principles in mind, including the preservation of local editorial voice and authority, an enhanced focus on the consumer, unification of the company’s ad and commercial sales functions to reflect clients’ local and global needs and the development of new ways to share capabilities and best practices across the company.

Condé Nast is a global media company, home to iconic brands including Vogue, The New Yorker, GQ, Glamour, AD, Vanity Fair, and Wired, among many others. The company’s award-winning content reaches 84 million consumers in print, 367 million in digital and 379 million across social platforms, and generates more than 1 billion video views each month. The company is headquartered in London and New York and operates in 32 markets worldwide including China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico & Latin America, Russia, Spain, Taiwan, the U.K., and the U.S., with local license partners across the globe. Launched in 2011, Condé Nast Entertainment is an award-winning production and distribution studio that creates programming across film, television, social and digital video and virtual reality.

“One of my top priorities has been to define our organizational structure so that we can take full advantage of our unique growth opportunities and exceptional content around the world,” said the recently-appointed CEO of Condé Nast, RogerLynch “I’m confident that our new global structure will better enable us to collaborate across teams and markets and, ultimately, deliver unparalleled experiences for our consumers and clients.“

The new structure is as follows:

Global Content Functions:: Anna Wintour, U.S. Artistic Director, Editor-in-Chief of Vogue U.S. and (newly-appointed) Global Content Advisor, will continue in her role as U.S. Artistic Director and Editor-in-Chief of Vogue U.S., and will add Global Content Advisor and oversight of Vogue International to her responsibilities. In her expanded role, Wintour will advise the executive leadership team on global content opportunities and act as a resource to editors-in-chief and editorial talent worldwide.

Oren Katzeff, President of Condé Nast Entertainment (CNE), will expand the company’s digital video, film and television operations to create best-in-class video content experiences for audiences worldwide. The company has been increasing its focus on video content and currently generates 1.1 billion video views per month. Under Oren’s leadership, CNE will now be the core of our global network of video teams, supporting the growth of our video businesses in all markets.

David Remnick, Editor-in-Chief of The New Yorker, will also continue to report directly to Lynch.

Global Operations Organization: Wolfgang Blau, President, International & Chief Operating Officer will oversee all non-U.S. markets, as well as selected global strategic functions, including Product & Technology, Data, Licensing, Global Editorial Operations, Business Development, and Delivery & Business Transformation. This organization will ensure day-to-day operational excellence and capability sharing across the business.

Global Commercial Organization: Pamela Drucker Mann, Global Chief Revenue Officer & President, U.S. Revenue, will lead a new global revenue organization that brings together the company’s U.S. and international ad sales, creative and agency, B2B marketing and client service capabilities. Jamie Jouning, promoted to Chief Client Officer, will report to Drucker Mann and oversee key global accounts, multi-market deals, and central digital ad operations. Drucker Mann will define ad sales and ad product strategies globally, and work closely with Jamie and the central team and commercial leads in the company’s worldwide markets to drive overall ad, agency, and B2B revenue and share best practices.

Consumer Marketing Organization: Condé Nast is creating a new consumer marketing organization that will be led by a Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) and will bring added focus to the company’s direct-to-consumer efforts. As the company expands its consumer offerings, this team will be charged with developing best-in-class capabilities and consistency across consumer experiences on every platform. The team will also be responsible for consumer revenue, with a core focus on subscriptions and memberships. In addition, the team will have responsibility for global brand management, consumer research, and insights and global audience development, ensuring a data-driven approach to the company’s efforts. The search for a CMO to lead this new organization will begin immediately.

Corporate Functions: The company is also globalizing its three corporate functions to leverage skills, expertise and standardize processes and best practices: People, Finance and Communications. The company will begin an immediate search and selection process for these and other open roles. Until new leaders are identified, teams will maintain their existing reporting lines and responsibilities.

“We’re bringing added focus to our direct-to-consumer efforts and will build a new consumer marketing function that will be charged with developing best-in-class subscription and membership capabilities, and maintaining the authenticity of our iconic global brands,” Lynch continued. “And by transforming our sales organization into a unified global team, Condé Nast will be better positioned to serve the holistic needs of our clients around the world and make it easier for them to do business with us.“

The new structure and appointments take effect immediately.

Alba Botanica® Brand Partners With The Pink Agenda And FAB-U-WISH During Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Highlighting Giuliana Rancic’s FAB-U-WISH Initiative, Alba Botanica® Brand Will Show Support For A Great Cause

The Alba Botanica® brand is proud to announce its partnership with The Pink Agenda, a non-profit organization committed to raising money for breast cancer research and Giuliana Rancic‘s FAB-U-WISH program, an initiative that grants wishes to those suffering from breast cancer. Since 2014, Giuliana Rancic’s FAB-U-WISH and The Pink Agenda has granted the most fabulous wishes to women undergoing treatment for this devastating disease.

The Pink Agenda believes that engaging today’s generation can go a long way toward finding tomorrow’s cure for breast cancer. That’s why The Pink Agenda, together with its partner the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, is working with the next generation of leaders to find and fund programs that are improving the lives of those suffering from breast cancer and conducting the groundbreaking research necessary to improve their odds. The Pink Agenda, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization launched in 2007, has contributed $2 million to breast cancer research.

Alba Botanica®, as a brand was started with the mission to Do Beautiful. Last year, they launched the Do Good – Do Beautiful campaign, which highlights women who are doing good and beautiful things in their lives and the world. Supporting The Pink Agenda and Giuliana Rancic, who was already a fan of the brand, is the perfect partnership to continue the brand’s messaging of empowering and inspiring women in the world.

“As a brand that promotes creating positive change in the world, the Alba Botanica® brand is thrilled to be working alongside Giuliana and The Pink Agenda to both spread awareness and raise research funds in support of finding a cure for breast cancer,” said Julie Marchant-Houle, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Personal Care products at The Hain Celestial Group, Inc.

Said Rancic, “By partnering with FAB-U-WISH and The Pink Agenda, Alba Botanica® brand is helping women currently facing breast cancer feel special – and feel better – during their most difficult times. We’re proud to be working alongside Alba Botanica® to support our ultimate wish of finding a cure.“

“The Pink Agenda is honored to have Alba Botanica® join in our fight to make breast cancer history,” said Lucretia Gilbert, Executive Director of The Pink Agenda. “Our partners are critical in helping raise awareness of the disease and funding the groundbreaking research necessary to save lives.”

Alba Botanica® products contain 100% vegetarian ingredients and are made with vitamins, plant emollients and therapeutic botanicals for optimum beauty benefits. The Alba Botanica® brand range includes: Hawaiian skin care, hair care and spa treatments; Even Advanced™ skin care; ACNEdote™ acne skin care treatments; Very Emollient™ body lotions, bath and shower gels, cream shaves and foam shaves; Good & Clean™ facial cleansers; Fast Fix beauty treatments; a full range of suncare products and deodorant sticks.

Saks Fifth Avenue Announces 2017 Key To The Cure Campaign Benefitting Women’s Cancer Research Fund

Saks Fifth Avenue has teamed up with Women’s Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) for the 2017 Key To The Cure campaign. Now in its 19th year, Key To The Cure is Saks Fifth Avenue‘s annual fundraising and charitable initiative to fight cancer. This year, Women’s Cancer Research Ambassador Jennifer Lopez will act as the face of the campaign, and Missoni will design the exclusive, limited edition t-shirt.

Saks Fifth Avenue Announces 2017 Key To The Cure Campaign Benefitting Women’s Cancer Research Fund With Women’s Cancer Research Ambassador Jennifer Lopez And Missoni.

“For almost two decades, Key To The Cure has been one of the most iconic and valuable programs that Saks executes each year,” said Marc Metrick, President of Saks Fifth Avenue. “We look forward to raising funds for WCRF, as well as cancer research and treatment organizations around the country, and are confident that we will be successful, especially with the extraordinary support from both Jennifer Lopez and Missoni.“

The Women’s Cancer Research Fund (WCRF), a program of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, has supported innovative research directed at the development of more effective approaches to the prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment of women’s cancers since 1997. Founded by Jamie Tisch, Kate Capshaw, Rita Wilson, Anne Douglas, Quinn Ezralow, Kelly Chapman Meyer and Marion Laurie, WCRF has significantly moved the needle to advance life-saving research. Saks Fifth Avenue‘s annual KTTC Charity Shopping Weekend will kick off on Friday, Oct. 13, and will donate three percent of sales of designated merchandise up to $500,000 to WCRF from Friday to Sunday.

“We are honored to partner with Saks Fifth Avenue on this year’s Key To The Cure campaign,” said Tisch. “We admire all that Saks has accomplished in support of cancer research over the years, and we are grateful to everyone who will participate in this event to raise critical funds.”

Saks Fifth Avenue Key To The Cure 2017 t-shirt by MISSONI

Since the campaign’s inception 19 years ago, Saks Fifth Avenue has donated close to $40 million to cancer research and treatment organizations throughout the United States. Organizations that have benefitted from Saks Fifth Avenue’s charitable support include Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C), Cleveland Clinic, Boston’s Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Nevada Cancer Institute and much more.

The Women’s Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) has supported innovative research directed at the development of more effective approaches to the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship of women’s cancers since 1997. WCRF has significantly moved the needle to fast-track more effective approaches to the study of women’s cancers. In 2016, WCRF joined forces with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF)—the largest private funder of breast cancer research worldwide. As a program of BCRF, the highest rated breast cancer organization in the country, WCRF will go even further in its ability to advance life-saving research. For more information, kindly visit www.wcrfcure.org or www.Instagram.com/wcrfcure.

Missoni, known for its colorful geometric motifs, created the exclusive 2017 Key To The Cure t-shirt. The design will be available for purchase from Oct. 1 through Oct. 31 at all Saks Fifth Avenue locations in the U.S. and Canada as well as on saks.com. One hundred percent of proceeds from the $35 t-shirt will be donated to twelve local cancer charities, including American Cancer Society, Breast Cancer Research Foundation, and TGen Foundation, among others.

“It’s an honor to design the coveted Key To The Cure t-shirt for Saks Fifth Avenue,” said Angela Missoni. “This year marks my 20th anniversary as the Creative Director for Missoni and what better way to celebrate than to join the amazing roster of designers who have used their creative voices to support such an extraordinary cause.“

Jennifer Lopez will act as the official 2017 WCRF Ambassador, appearing in the KTTC advertising campaign as well as in a Saks Fifth Avenue-sponsored national public service announcement. Past ambassadors and designer collaborations have included Halle Berry and Christian Louboutin, Jennifer Aniston and Peter Dundas, Gwyneth Paltrow and Karl Lagerfeld, and Heidi Klum and Michael Kors, among many well-known others.

For more information, kindly visit saks.com, Facebook.com/saks, Instagram.com/saks, Twitter.com/saks, Pinterest.com/saks, and Snapchat.com/saks_official.

Holland America Line and O, The Oprah Magazine Embark on Exclusive Partnership

Holland America Line and O, The Oprah Magazine has announced an exclusive partnership that will unite the soul-stirring power of travel with O‘s deep commitment to connection and personal growth. Oprah Winfrey; O The Oprah Magazine editor at large Gayle King; and others will join the inaugural O, The Oprah Magazine Share the Adventure Cruise setting sail to Alaska this July. Four additional O, The Oprah Magazine Adventure of Your Life sailings featuring O Magazine-inspired activities will be scheduled aboard select North America ships through 2018.

Lucy Kaylin_Editor in Chief

Oprah Winfrey Adventure

Adam Glassman, Creative Director

Leigh Haber, Books Editor

Val Monroe, Beauty Director

Gayle King

“I’m so excited to continue 2017 as my Year of Adventure with another bold, new place I’ve never been to Alaska!” said Winfrey.

Oprah Winfrey

The O, The Oprah Magazine cruises will feature exclusive programming developed with the magazine’s editors, including editor in chief Lucy Kaylin and creative director Adam Glassman. Members of the SuperSoul 100 — thought leaders and visionaries who use their talents to elevate humanity — will be on board sharing inspirational ideas and tips for living your best life. More than 300 Holland America Line cruises sailing in North America from August 2017 through 2018 will have a variety of engaging, stimulating activities that bring the magazine to life, including meditation, tai chi, healthy cooking demonstrations, an onboard book club and more.

ms Oosterdam Hubbard Glacier

nieuw amsterdam

O, The Oprah Magazine Share the Adventure Cruise to Alaska will take place July 15–22, 2017. Other O, The Oprah Magazine Adventure of Your Life cruises will include the following dates/destinations:

• November 29, 2017 – 11-Day Southern Caribbean Wayfarer roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale on ms Koningsdam
• March 3, 2018 – 7-Day Eastern Caribbean roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale on ms Nieuw Amsterdam
• August 11, 2018 – 7-Day Alaska roundtrip from Seattle on ms Eurodam
• October 28, 2018 – 7-Day Western Caribbean, ms Nieuw Amsterdam

“We are deeply honored that O, The Oprah Magazine chose Holland America Line as its first cruise line partner to further our shared belief that travel and wellness have the power to open minds, build connections and inspire shared humanity,” said Orlando Ashford, president of Holland America Line. “Our commitment to providing authentic experiences for our guests is at the forefront of all we do, and this collaboration is going to empower our guests in a whole new way with thought-provoking and enriching activities and content developed together with the experts at O, The Oprah Magazine.“

O, The Oprah Magazine January 2017 Issue

O, The Oprah MagazineMarch 2017 Issue

The magazine will kick off the partnership with a contest in the March 2017 issue awarding three deserving readers the chance to join the inaugural cruise to Alaska with Oprah and Gayle, followed by a high impact unit in the April 2017 issue, with in-book, online and broadcast integrations running throughout the remainder of 2017 and 2018.

“What better way to celebrate Oprah’s Year of Adventure than to partner on an incredible new initiative with Holland America Line,” said Jayne Jamison, senior vice president, publisher, and chief revenue officer of O, The Oprah Magazine. “Offering readers a chance to experience the thrill of adventure firsthand, this partnership pairs the eye-opening wonder of travel with the soulful, inspiring content found in every issue of O.“

For more information on O, The Oprah Magazine cruises please visit hollandamerica.com/OprahMag.

The Barneys New York Foundation Launches “We Will Be” Women’s Empowerment Windows For Fashion Week.

March is National Women’s History Month** and The Barneys New York Foundation announces today the launch of “We Will Be,” an initiative celebrating women’s empowerment. Launched in 2016, the Barneys New York Foundation prides itself as a proponent of human rights and has placed increased focused on raising awareness for women’s equality over the years.

Barneys New York Logo. (PRNewsFoto/Barneys New York)

Based upon pillars of human rights, education, and the arts, The Barneys New York Foundation allows Barneys New York to contribute to the world in an even more impactful way. By championing the arts, the Foundation is able to ensure a future for creative thought, while the human rights component continues to build on advocacy for equality to all. The educational branch allows the company to support various causes relating to health and wellness research, as well as children’s programs. Through the implementation of a mentorship and employee giving program, the Barneys New York Foundation harnesses the power of community to focus on the core values of human rights, education, and the arts.

In partnership with the High School of Fashion Industries, The Barneys New York Foundation created a short film entitled “I Will Be.” Featuring 34 female students from the school discussing their hopes, dreams, and goals for the future, the film sends an inspiring message about how all girls have the opportunity grow into future leaders and role models in society.

With this project, The Foundation is taking a stand to support and inspire women everywhere at a time when it is most important. Through partnerships with MAKERS and the High School of Fashion Industries, The Barneys New York Foundation created custom video content that highlights strong women in society, which launches February 3rd through the end of the month to coincide with Fashion Week. “We Will Be” includes window displays at both the Madison Avenue and Downtown Flagships in New York City, regional in-store visual impact areas, and a social campaign #GirlPossible.

The Barneys New York Foundation will also feature a custom video including recognizable moments in history that spotlight strong women. Ranging from athletic pursuits to legendary films, and live concerts to women’s rights movements, the breadth of content in this window emphasize the many ways in which women have impacted society.

In partnership with the High School of Fashion Industries, which provides career and academic training for New York City students, The Barneys New York Foundation created a short film entitled “I Will Be.” Featuring 34 female students from the school discussing their hopes, dreams, and goals for the future, the film sends an inspiring message about how all girls have the opportunity grow into future leaders and role models in society. This video content will be prominently displayed in the Madison Avenue window just north of the main entrance, as well as in regional in-store displays, and will be showcased through Barneys New York’s various editorial and social media channels.

The Barneys New York Foundation has also partnered with MAKERS, a women’s media and leadership platform. Utilizing video from MAKERS extensive library, The Barneys New York Foundation created exclusive content that highlights the empowering messages of iconic women including Madeleine Albright, Christiane Amanpour, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Lena Dunham, Jane Fonda, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Alicia Keys, Helen Mirren, Michelle Obama, Gloria Steinem, and more. This content will be displayed in two 20 short films, which will be shown in the northernmost and southernmost Madison Avenue window in New York.

Travel News: U.S. News & World Report Releases 2017 Best Hotels Rankings

Chicago’s The Langham is the Best Hotel in the USA

U.S. News & World Report, the global authority in rankings and consumer advice, announced the 2017 Best Hotels. The rankings evaluate more than 3,000 luxury hotels across the USA, the Caribbean (now including Havana, Cuba), Canada and Mexico.

(PRNewsFoto/U.S. News & World Report)

Travelers looking for a top hotel typically have a destination or a hotel brand in mind. As in past years, U.S. News has published the 2017 Best Hotels rankings in more than 200 destinations. This time of year, the most popular hotel searches are in warm-weather spots, including Maui, Turks and Caicos and Cancun. U.S. News also ranks the Best All-Inclusive Resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico, new additions to our hotel rankings. For vacationers who have points with loyalty programs, such as Marriott Rewards or Hilton HHonors, a Best Hotels by Brand directory is also available.

U.S. News scored luxury hotels (4-star and higher) using a methodology that combines each hotel’s industry awards with expert and guest reviews. These rankings are part of the expanding U.S. News Travel channel, which also evaluates the Best Hotels in Europe, Best Vacations, Best Cruise Lines and Best Travel Rewards Programs.

In the Best Hotels in the USA rankings, Chicago’s The Langham jumped to No. 1, followed by Hawaii’s Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at No. 2 and The Jefferson, Washington, DC at No. 3. U.S. News awards the top 10 percent of ranked hotels with a Gold badge. These three U.S. cities are home to the highest number of Gold badge-winning hotels for 2017:

New York City has 23 Gold badge winners out of 202 ranked hotels.

Las Vegas has 11 Gold badge winners out of 46 ranked hotels.

Los Angeles has 10 Gold badge winners out of 79 ranked hotels.

Gold badge hotels in the U.S. are three times more likely to offer infinity pools, free fitness classes, and free kids clubs than other ranked hotels. And consumers are willing to pay more for top quality – the research shows these hotels’ rates are approximately 60 percent higher than their competitors’.

Outside of the U.S., Eden Rock – St. Barths is ranked as the Best Hotel in the Caribbean. The One&Only Palmilla takes the top spot for the Best Hotel in Mexico. For the fourth year in a row, the Ritz-Carlton, Montreal earns recognition as the Best Hotel in Canada.

New this year, U.S. News debuted a ranking of the Best Hotels in Havana. IBEROSTAR Parque Central takes the top spot on this inaugural list.

“Our rankings are designed to narrow down the perfect hotel for your vacation – whether it is on a beach, in a major city or in a remote location,” said Erin Shields, travel editor at U.S. News. “The U.S. News Best Hotels hit the mark for both travelers and industry experts, offering exceptional customer service and luxury amenities.”

2017 U.S. News & World Report Best Hotels Rankings

In the USA
1. The Langham, Chicago
2. Four Seasons Resort, Hualalai
3. The Jefferson, Washington, DC
4. Montage Kapalua Bay
5. The Lodge at Sea Island

In Canada
1. Ritz-Carlton, Montreal
2. Rosewood Hotel Georgia
3. Shangri-La Hotel, Vancouver
4. The Wickaninnish Inn
5. Trump International Hotel & Tower Toronto

In the Caribbean
1. Eden Rock – St. Barths
2. Jumby Bay, A Rosewood Resort
3. Jamaica Inn
4. Dorado Beach, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve
5. The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman

In Mexico
1. One&Only Palmilla, Los Cabos
2. Las Ventanas al Paraíso, A Rosewood Resort
3. Rosewood Mayakoba
4. The Resort at Pedregal
5. La Casa Que Canta

For more information, visit Best Hotels and use #BestHotels17 on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Immigrant Contributions To American Society Recognized With 2017 Vilcek Prizes

Visual Artist Nari Ward And Biophysicists Lily And Yuh-Nung Jan Receive $100,000 Vilcek Prizes

Winners Of Vilcek Prizes For Creative Promise Each Receive $50,000 Awards

The Vilcek Foundation is pleased to announce the winners of the annual Vilcek Prizes, recognizing outstanding immigrant contributions to the American arts and sciences. The Vilcek Prize in Biomedical Science will be awarded jointly to Chinese-born Lily and Yuh-Nung Jan, a collaborative research duo and professors of molecular physiology at the University of California, San Francisco. The Vilcek Prize in the Arts recognizes Jamaican-born Nari Ward, a New York-based visual artist known for found-object assemblage art. Each prize includes a $100,000 cash award. The prizewinners were selected by panels of experts in each field; they will be honored at an awards gala in New York City in April 2017.

“Like all great artists and scientists, these immigrant prizewinners challenge our very perceptions of the world,” said Rick Kinsel, president of the Vilcek Foundation. “Their works are attempts to understand fundamental questions and concepts in American society, from the neurological underpinnings of the self to the institution of democracy.”

The Vilcek Foundation was established in 2000 by Jan and Marica Vilcek, immigrants from the former Czechoslovakia. The mission of the foundation, to honor the contributions of immigrants to the United States and to foster an appreciation of the arts and sciences, was inspired by the couple’s respective careers in biomedical science and art history, as well as their personal experiences and appreciation for the opportunities they received as newcomers to this country. The foundation awards annual prizes to prominent immigrant biomedical scientists and artists and manages the Vilcek Foundation Art Collections, a promised gift from its founders.

This year, the Vilcek Prize in the Arts is awarded in the fine arts, marking the completion of an 11-year cycle through various disciplines in the arts and humanities. The recipient, Nari Ward, was born in Jamaica and immigrated to the U.S. at the age of 12. He is known for found-object assemblage artworks that invite both a public conversation and an intimate dialogue with the viewer around topics of race, immigration, and the Caribbean diaspora identity. His usage of found objects aims to highlight the history of a place and the urgency of the moment; his installation Naturalization Drawing Table features a large desk—built out of Plexiglas bodega barriers—covered with dense linear drawings made over copies of Immigration and Naturalization Service applications. On select days during the exhibition, viewers are invited to “apply” for naturalization by lining up and filling out an application, giving them a taste of the bureaucratic process of applying for citizenship. Ward has won several prestigious art prizes, including the Joyce Award, the Rome Prize, a Bessie Award, and several other awards from the American Academy of Arts and Letters, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the John Simon Guggenheim Foundation.

Lily and Yuh-Nung Jan were both born in China and raised in Taiwan. They came to the U.S. as graduate students of physics at the California Institute of Technology but switched their focus to biology, in part inspired by their mentor, the renowned biophysicist Max Delbrück. Over the course of a collaborative career spanning over four decades, the husband-and-wife team has made many significant discoveries in the field of neuroscience, with far-reaching clinical implications. They isolated the gene encoding a protein that shuttles potassium ions across cell membranes, enabling the characterization of a molecular player important to functions as vital as maintaining heart rate and controlling muscle movement. Today, this type of ion channel is implicated in diseases such as epilepsy, ataxia, and hypertension. Simultaneously, the Jans identified genes and principles underlying the processes by which neurons acquire distinct identities, burgeon into thickets, and establish precise circuits; their work in this area may help unravel human diseases such as autism and schizophrenia. Currently, professors of molecular physiology at the University of California, San Francisco, the Jans have been honored with membership in the United States National Academy of Sciences, as well as with Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator awards.

The Vilcek Foundation also awards the Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise, given to younger immigrants who have shown substantial talent and ability early in their careers. Each prize includes a $50,000 cash award. The winners in the fine arts are the following:

Iman Issa, born in Egypt, a conceptual artist, creates objects and installations in an attempt to address complex philosophical questions. Her original area of study was phenomenology, a branch of philosophy that examines the structures of consciousness that organize subjective experience—or, put another way, how we take meaning from things we individually experience. Later, Issa realized that art allowed for nuanced exploration of those topics, and continued her philosophical questioning through art. She is particularly interested in monuments and memorials—aesthetic forms tasked with a function that holds a shifting relevance based on their location in time and relationship to history. Her work has been shown at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, the 8th Berlin Biennial, and the New Museum, and she has received the DAAD 2017 Artist in Residence Award, the Louis Comfort Tiffany Foundation Award, and the HNF-MACBA Award.

Meleko Mokgosi, born in Botswana, is a slow, considered painter; behind every painting he produces are hours of research, reading, and conversations with people. Mokgosi is interested in depictions of Africa and its people; he believes that the widespread misrepresentation of Africa and Africans has done a violence to the people of the continent, and through his art he attempts a representation that is fair and just. He is deeply concerned with politics and seeks to understand and illuminate the relations of power that shape people, families, villages, regions, and nations. Mokgosi has been named the recipient of the Joan Mitchell Foundation Painters Grant and the Jarl and Pamela Mohn Award, and he has shown his work at Art Basel, the Armory, the Hammer Museum, and the Whitney Museum.

The Go Red For Women™ Red Dress Collection Fashion Show Returns to New York Fashion Week

The American Heart Association Go Red For Women™ Red Dress Collection 2017 Fashion Show Presented By Macy’s Merges Entertainment, Media And Fashion As Celebrities Raise Awareness Of Heart Disease And Stroke In Women

Celebrities on the runway include: Adrienne Bailon, Jessie James Decker, Diane Guerrero, Jazz Jennings, Juliette Lewis, Rachel Platten, and Laurie Hernandez

The American Heart Association announced that the Go Red For Women™ Red Dress Collection (Fashion Show) 2017 presented by Macy’s will return to New York Fashion Week at the Hammerstein Ballroom on Thursday, February 9, 2017. The fashion show is slated to feature 19 celebrities in gowns by top fashion designers. Founded by NHLBI’s The Heart Truth®, the event reminds women of the need to protect their heart health. The show begins at 8 p.m. ET, along with a Facebook Live on Go Red For Women‘s Facebook page.

Cardiovascular diseases cause 1 in 3 deaths among women each year – more than all cancers combined. However, 80 percent of cardiac and stroke events may be prevented with education and action. The most important action: know your numbers. Knowing the most critical numbers for your heart health including Blood Pressure, Cholesterol, Blood Sugar, and Body Mass Index (BMI) could save your life. Go Red For Women and Macy’s are encouraging all women to learn their personal health numbers. Your heart might depend on it.

Macy’s, the founding national sponsor of Go Red For Women, is the presenting sponsor of the annual Go Red For Women Red Dress Collection. To date, Macy’s has raised more than $60 million through the generosity and commitment of Macy’s associates and customers, which has helped to directly fund women’s heart health research and education.

Walking in this year’s Go Red For Women’s Red Dress Collection presented by Macy’s are: Adrienne Bailon (co-host, The Real); Bonnie Somerville (Code Black); CCH Pounder (NCIS: New Orleans, Sons of Anarchy); Diane Guerrero (Orange is the New Black, Jane the Virgin); Jazz Jennings (activist/I am Jazz); Jeannie Mai (co-host, The Real); Jessie James Decker (singer/designer/reality star); Juliette Lewis (Secrets and Lies); Lauren Holly (Motive); Laurie Hernandez (Olympic Gymnast); Lea Thompson (Switched at Birth, Back to the Future); Lorraine Toussaint (Orange is the New Black); Lucy Lawless (Zena: Warrior Princess, Parks & Recreation); Lynn Whitfield (Greenleaf); Maureen McCormick (Dancing with the Stars); Peyton List (Jessie); Rachel Platten (singer); Stephanie March (Law & Order SVU); and Veronica Webb (model).

The Go Red For Women Red Dress Collection 2017 presented by Macy’s will feature three looks from designers in the not-for-profit, independently-run Fashion Incubator Programs housed at Macy’s: Masha Titievsky from the Chicago Fashion Incubator, Bethany Meuleners from Fashion Incubator San Francisco, and Amanda Casarez from the D.C. Fashion Incubator. Wearing these designs will be Lorraine Toussaint in VARYFORM by Masha Titievsky, CCH Pounder in Bethany Meuleners, and Veronica Webb in Amanda Casarez.

This year, for the first time ever, heart disease survivors will be walking alongside the celebrities. Last year, Macy’s took its commitment to women’s health to the next level by holding a nationwide employee associate casting call to identify five associates from Macy’s stores who’ve been personally impacted by heart disease. Odilia Cristabel Flores from New York City, a Senior Manager in Macy’s Social Compliance Department, and AHA Real Woman Nicole Hardy from Scarborough, Maine will be hitting the runway to raise awareness for a cause they know all too well.

During the month of February, Macy’s offers customers additional ways to support this worthy cause through merchandise that gives back, including this limited-edition red dress by Calvin Klein (above, $134.00).

“We are grateful to all of the celebrities and survivors walking in this year’s Go Red For Women Red Dress Collection for inspiring women world-wide to prioritize their heart health and make ‘Know Your Numbers’ actionable,” said Nancy Brown, Chief Executive Officer, American Heart Association. “The American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women movement is honored to be a part of New York Fashion Week with Macy’s, to shine a bright light on women’s heart disease, both on and off the runway.”

Macy’s Goes Red for Heart Health This February in Support of the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women™

Macy’s will go red for women’s heart health again this February in honor of American Heart Month. As the founding national sponsor of the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women movement, Macy’s will offer limited-edition merchandise and promotions to benefit Go Red For Women. Since 2004, Macy’s customers and associates have raised $60 million to support the fight against heart disease in women, and over that time, 293 more lives have been saved every day from heart disease and stroke, according to the American Heart Association.

Go Red For Women is the American Heart Association‘s national movement to end heart disease and stroke in women. Cardiovascular diseases in the U.S. kill approximately one woman every 80 seconds. The good news is that 80 percent of cardiac events may be prevented with education and lifestyle changes. Go Red For Women advocates for more research and swifter action for women’s heart health. The American Heart Association‘s Go Red For Women movement is nationally sponsored by Macy’s, with additional support from additional cause supporters.

GO RED WITH MACY’S: Cardiovascular diseases kill nearly one in three women each year, but 80 percent of cardiac and stroke events may be prevented with education and action. That is why Macy’s encourages customers and associates to band together to prevent and fight cardiovascular diseases by participating in Go Red with Macy’s from Wednesday, Feb. 1 to Monday, Feb. 6. Customers can wear red or purchase the Official Red Dress Pin for $3 to receive 25 percent off on a great selection of items storewide, plus 15 percent off select home, fine and fashion jewelry, and sale and clearance watches. (Exclusions and restrictions apply.) One hundred percent of the pin sales will benefit Go Red For Women. Macy’s associates will also be wearing red in-store to create further awareness for the pin sale and celebrate National Wear Red Day on Feb. 3.

MERCHANDISE THAT GIVES BACK: During the month of February, Macy’s offers customers additional ways to support this worthy cause through merchandise that gives back, including three limited-edition red dresses by Kensie ($99.00), Thalia ($89.50) and Calvin Klein ($134.00). For all three styles, 10 percent of the purchase price from Feb. 1 through Feb. 28 will be donated to Go Red For Women. To go red and get fit in style, Macy’s also offers exclusive Ideology active wear, which includes four graphic t-shirts where 10 percent of the purchase price will be donated to Go Red For Women. The dresses and active wear will be available in most stores and online at www.macys.com/GoRed.

GO RED FOR WOMEN LUNCHEONS: Go Red For Women Luncheons will take place in 186 cities across the country, raising much-needed funds for the cause. Luncheon guests will receive a $10 Macy’s gift card, and guests of select luncheons will be eligible to win a $250 Macy’s gift card. At select luncheons, Estée Lauder will also have an activation for guests featuring a free lipstick when guests return to any Macy’s store.

THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION’S® GO RED FOR WOMEN® RED DRESS COLLECTION™, PRESENTED BY MACY’S: Macy’s is, once again, the presenting sponsor of the American Heart Association’s® Go Red For Women® Red Dress Collection™, which has kicked off New York Fashion Week since 2003, in support of women’s heart health. The Red Dress Collection will be unveiled on Thursday, Feb. 9 at 8 p.m. at The Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City. This year’s runway show will feature inspiring and powerful female celebrities who will walk the runway to showcase emerging and established designers. Three of the red dresses featured on the runway will be created by designers in Fashion Incubator Programs, which are housed at Macy’s locations and develop the next generation of fashion trendsetters. The designers-in-residence featured are Amanda Casarez from DC Fashion Incubator, Bethany Meuleners from Fashion Incubator San Francisco and Masha Titievsky from Chicago Fashion Incubator.

Avon Introduces “This Is Boss Life”

An Empowering New Advertising Campaign to Recruit Representatives and Ignite Brand Passion

New Avon LLC (“Avon”), the social selling company that has empowered women for over a century, announced the launch of a bold new advertising campaign – “This is Boss Life” – which celebrates the flexibility, freedom and financial opportunity of becoming an Avon Representative. Designed to drive Representative recruitment and ignite passion for the Avon brand, “This is Boss Life” will run on national broadcast, digital, print and radio media in the U.S. beginning in October.

Avon’s new campaign debuted to thousands of Representatives across the U.S. in a Facebook event hosted by President, Social Selling for New Avon LLC, Betty Palm on October 6. The :60 second digital, and :30 broadcast and radio ads began airing on October 7, and print ads will be seen in November and December issues of women’s magazines. Avon’s social and digital channels will be extending the “This is Boss Life” campaign message with custom social media filters, YouTube videos and more.

Avon Logo (PRNewsFoto/New Avon LLC)

“As an iconic American brand with a 130 year history of empowering women, we arguably have inspired more female entrepreneurs than any other company in history. Every Avon Representative has a unique story of how they are finding success as their own boss,” said Scott White, Chief Executive Officer, New Avon LLC. “We have the right tools and support to help them build a successful social selling beauty business. The ‘This is Boss Life’ campaign spotlights that there is nothing more beautiful than succeeding on your own terms.”

The television campaign encourages audiences to take a step beyond their typical 9-to-5 work life and say hello to a new kind of life where they are the boss. The campaign heroine is a passionate woman, stuck in a passionless job – until she discovers a brand new life as an Avon Representative. The music video-style commercial is set to the energetic, well-known female anthem, “I Will Survive.” The re-imagined lyrics include such affirmative statements as “I should have done this years ago/I should have broken free/If I’d known for just one second I could be the boss of me” and “Oh as long as I’ve got Avon and the newest shade of gloss/I’ve got passion, can’t you see?/‘Cause my future’s up to me/Yeah, I’m a Boss.”

In the print advertising, Avon Representatives are at the center of the campaign to inspire new recruits through their real-life stories of success. The ads feature:

‘This is Boss Life’ print advertising featuring Avon Representative Georgiana

The Millennial: Georgiana joined Avon over ten years ago when she started college. Over the last decade, she has paid off her college loans with the help of earnings from her Avon business. In the ads, she says, “Now I’m a full-time architectural designer, part-time Beauty Boss.”

‘This is Boss Life’ print advertising featuring Avon Representative Lydia

The Momtrepreneur: For Avon Representative Lydia, mother of two girls, every day can be take-your-daughters-to-work-day. Lydia says, “Now my girls say they want to be ‘ Boss’ when they grow up.” Lydia has found success without having to sacrifice time with family.

‘This is Boss Life’ print advertising featuring Avon Representatives Milagros & Carlos

The Power Couple: Milagros and Carlos built a family business together, and say working together as Avon Representatives has made their business and marriage twice as strong. They say, “Avon introduced us to the best bosses we’ve ever had – ourselves.”

PBS Rolls Out New Dramas, Arts, Performance, History and Election Coverage This Fall

PBS Confirms Premiere Date for HAMILTON’S AMERICA, a Behind-the-Scenes Special on the Making of the Tony Award-Winning Broadway Phenomenon and Centerpiece of PBS Arts Fall Festival

MASTERPIECE Offers New Seasons of “Poldark” and “Indian Summers”

Renée Fleming Performance to Headline PBS TCA Press Tour Sessions Also Featuring Josh Radnor, John Singleton and Aidan Turner, andTony Award-winner Sophie Okonedo

Election and History Specials Bring New Insights Into Past and Present

PBS’ fall 2016 primetime schedule is rich in politics, arts, drama and political history, covering a span from the American Revolution to the upcoming Presidential election. FRONTLINE’s acclaimed series “The Choice 2016”returns on September 27 with an in-depth look at this year’s presidential candidates, while THE CONTENDERS – 16 FOR ’16, debuting September 13, looks back at previous elections through the stories of former candidates. History and politics carry over into the arts with “Hamilton’s America” from GREAT PERFORMANCES, an intimate look at the making of the wildly successful Broadway production of Hamilton, winner of 11 Tony Awards and the Pulitzer Prize, which kicks off the sixth season of the PBS ARTS FALL FESTIVAL on October 21. Fall 2016 also brings the highly–anticipated return of “Poldark” on MASTERPIECE (date TBA), whose Season 2 continues the story of Captain Ross Poldark (Aidan Turner) in a love story set in windswept Cornwall of the late 1700s. On September 6, PBS presents 9/11 INSIDE THEPENTAGON, a documentary that goes behind the scenes at the Pentagon on September 11, 2001, and airs in commemoration of the 15th anniversary of the attack [VIEW CLIP]. On September 20, Ken Burns’s DEFYING THE NAZIS: THE SHARPS’ WAR tells the moving story of an American couple who rescued hundreds trying to escape the Nazis [VIEW CLIP].

Image: (L) MASTERPIECE “Poldark,” Aidan Turner as Ross Poldark. © Robert Viglasky/Mammoth Screen for MASTERPIECE. (R) GREAT PERFORMANCES “Hamilton’s America,” Phillipa Soo and Lin-Manuel Miranda. © Joan Marcus

As part of PBS’ commitment to education, the fall season will kick off with “SPOTLIGHT EDUCATION”, a week of primetime programming focused on the challenges facing America’s education system. Starting Monday, Sept.12, PBS will lead a national dialogue on-air, online and across communities, exploring ideas and solutions to improve outcomes for all of America’s youth. National broadcast programs include POV “All the Difference,” TED TALKS “Education Revolution,” [VIEW CLIP] FRONTLINE “The Diploma Mill,” (w.t.), NOVA “School of the Future,” CRAFT IN AMERICA “Teachers” and TIME FOR SCHOOL. Funding for these programs is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), in partnership with PBS, as part of the public media initiative, “American Graduate: Let’s Make It Happen.”

On October 25, “Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You” on AMERICAN MASTERS celebrates the life of the acclaimed, and often controversial, TV writer and producer. In BLACK AMERICA SINCE MLK: AND STILL I RISE, which debuts in two-parts on November 15 and November 22, acclaimed scholar Henry Louis Gates, Jr. explores the last 50 years of African-American history, looking at culture, politics and an ever-changing racial landscape to explore the remarkable progress, daunting setbacks and deep contradictions of black America. ANNE OF GREEN GABLES, a new feature film starring Martin Sheen and based on the iconic book by L.M. Montgomery, will air on Thanksgiving night, November 24.

As part of PBS’ partnership with NPR to cover the 2016 elections, the 2016 Campaign Connection site offers a round-up of election coverage from across public media. FRONTLINE’s “The Choice 2016” and THE CONTENDERS – 16 FOR ’16 are part of the PBS ELECTION 2016 lineup, which  brings together venerable news and public affairs shows with new programs and specials to offer viewers information and insights about the 2016 elections, the candidates and key issues for voters. PBS NEWSHOUR, WASHINGTON WEEK WITH GWEN IFILL and PBS NEWSHOUR WEEKEND will provide distinctive coverage of the ongoing national, state and local campaigns, as well as presidential and vice presidential debates. On election night, PBS NEWSHOUR will offer live coverage of national and local results. 

“PBS’ fall programming truly stands out for its amazing variety, quality and diversity,” said Beth Hoppe, PBS’ Chief Programming Executive and General Manager. “Like the artists who populate our Friday primetime cultural programs this fall, PBS brings new perspectives to stories both well-known and untold. PBS viewers will discover everything from joyous musical creations to thoughtful approaches to presidential elections, learn from biographies of acclaimed Americans and find inspiration even in history’s darkest hours.”

MASTERPIECE enhances PBS’ Sunday night drama block with the September 11 debut of CHURCHILL’S SECRET, with Emmy® Award-winner Michael Gambon as Winston Churchill in an all-star production based on a little-known incident in Churchill’s illustrious life. Following CHURCHILL’S SECRET on September 11 is INDIAN SUMMERS, set during the tumultuous period of British Colonialism in the 1930s.  Rachel Griffiths and Art Malik join Julie Walters, Henry Lloyd-Hughes, and Nikesh Patel for Season 2 of the picturesque series. POLDARK, starring Aidan Turner in a love story set in windswept Cornwall in the late 1700s, returns for a second highly-anticipated season (date TBA).

The PBS Arts Fall Festival kicks off on October 21, and continues with a number of new programs on Friday nights throughout the fall. Joining “Hamilton’s America” from GREAT PERFORMANCES are Imelda Staunton as the iconic Momma Rose in a British revival of the classic American musical “Gypsy” and “Shakespeare Live! From the Royal Shakespeare Company.” LIVE FROM LINCOLN CENTER returns to the festival this year with “Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater” and pianist “Lang Lang’s New York Rhapsody.” Full broadcast dates and several other programs that are part of the PBS Arts Fall Festival will be announced later. SOUNDBREAKING: STORIES FROM THE CUTTING EDGE OF RECORDED MUSIC, an eight-episode series that explores how cutting edge technology combines with human artistry to create modern recorded music, premieres on November 14. ART IN THE 21ST CENTURY, hosted by Claire Danes and produced by ART21 premieres a new season on September 16.

PBS will unveil many of these new shows at the Television Critics Association Press Tour July 28 and 29 with a range of stars from the worlds of arts and politics. Talent appearing at the TCA include Jenna Coleman, Tom Hughes, Rufus Sewell and Daisy Goodwin for MASTERPIECE “Victoria”; Aidan Turner, Heida Reed and Eleanor Tomlinson for Season 2 of “Poldark” on MASTERPIECE; Ken Burns for DEFYING THE NAZIS: THE SHARPS’ WAR; McKinley Belcher III, Gary Cole, Hannah James andJosh Radnor for MERCY STREET Season 2; Tom Sturridge,Sophie Okonedo and award-winning director Dominic Cooke forGREAT PERFORMANCES “The Hollow Crown: The Wars of the Roses”; and Henry Louis Gates, Jr. for BLACK AMERICA SINCE MLK: AND STILL I RISE. A panel introducing THE CONTENDERS – 16 FOR ’16 will feature series producer Carlos Watson (host of the weekly PBS talk show POINT TAKEN) and several of the politicians who appear in the series, which showcases the memorable presidential and vice presidential campaigns of Howard Dean, Michael Dukakis, Ralph Nader and John McCain, among others. PBS will also welcome Kenya Barris, creator and executive producer of black-ish, and Oscar-nominated filmmaker John Singleton on a panel for THE TALK.  PBS is delighted to feature a special performance by celebrated soprano and music ambassador Renée Fleming. The star of many PBS productions, Ms. Fleming most recently was featured in PBS’ National Memorial Day Concert in Washington, DC. Her next project, which she curated, will be the broadcast of Lyric Opera of Chicago’s “Bel Canto” on GREAT PERFORMANCES (airdate TBA).  Other talent and performers will be announced later.  

A chronological listing of Fall 2016 PBS programs follows, grouped by month and premiere date:

SEPTEMBER ON PBS:

POV “The Birth of Saké” – Go behind the scenes at Japan’s Yoshida Brewery, where a brotherhood of artisans, ranging from 20 to 70, spend six months in nearly monastic isolation as they follow an age-old process to create saké, the nation’s revered rice wine.Monday, September 5, 10-11 p.m. ET

9/11 INSIDE THE PENTAGON – On September 11, 2001 at 9:37 a.m. American Flight 77 slammed into the Pentagon killing 184 people. What happened behind the walls of the Pentagon is a largely untold chapter in history. Fifteen years later, survivors and first responders shed light on that tragic day. Tuesday, September 6, 8-9 p.m. ET

AMERICA BY THE NUMBERS: THE NEW DECIDERS– Learn how Asian-American, black millennial, Arab-American, and Latino evangelical voters are exerting their growing strength and influence in this 2016 election special about power and politics, demographics and democracy.  Tuesday, September 6, 10-11 p.m. ET

CHURCHILL’S SECRET ON MASTERPIECE – Michael Gambon (The Singing Detective, Harry Potter) stars as Winston Churchill in this dramatization of Churchill’s life-threatening stroke in the summer of 1953, when he was prime minister for the second time.  His illness and battle to recover were kept secret from the world. Lindsay Duncan (Birdman) plays Churchill’s wife Clementine, and Romola Garai (The Hour) is the remarkable young nurse who cared for him. Sunday, September 11, 8-10 pm ET

INDIAN SUMMERS ON MASTERPIECE  – It’s 1935 in Simla—an Indian retreat for British colonials set in the Himalayas. An assassination attempt on the Viceroy Lord Willingdon (Patrick Malahide), and the surprise arrival of Lord Hawthorne (James Fleet, Outlander), puts Ralph’s (Henry Lloyd-Hughes) future in the balance. Meanwhile, Cynthia’s (Julie Walters) Royal Simla Club plays host to an important royal guest, the Maharaja Maritpur (Art Malik, Upstairs Downstairs) and his elegant and mysterious mistress Sirene (Rachel Griffiths, Brothers & Sisters). Sundays, September 11-November 20, 10-11 p.m. ET

CDC Vital Signs Report: More Than 3 Million US Women At Risk For Alcohol-Exposed Pregnancy

Sexually Active Women Who Stop Using Birth Control Should Stop Drinking Alcohol, But Most Keep Drinking

An estimated 3.3 million women between the ages of 15 and 44 years are at risk of exposing their developing baby to alcohol because they are drinking, sexually active, and not using birth control to prevent pregnancy, according to the latest CDC Vital Signs report released February 2nd. The report also found that 3 in 4 women who want to get pregnant as soon as possible do not stop drinking alcohol when they stop using birth control.

Vital Signs is a CDC report that appears on the first Tuesday of the month as part of the CDC journal Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. The report provides the latest data and information on key health indicators. These are cancer prevention, obesity, tobacco use, motor vehicle passenger safety, prescription drug overdose, HIV/AIDS, alcohol use, health care-associated infections, cardiovascular health, teen pregnancy, food safety and viral hepatitis.

Alcohol use during pregnancy, even within the first few weeks and before a woman knows she is pregnant, can cause lasting physical, behavioral, and intellectual disabilities that can last for a child’s lifetime. These disabilities are known as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs). There is no known safe amount of alcohol – even beer or wine – that is safe for a woman to drink at any stage of pregnancy.

“Alcohol can permanently harm a developing baby before a woman knows she is pregnant,” said CDC Principal Deputy Director Anne Schuchat, M.D. “About half of all pregnancies in the United States are unplanned, and even if planned, most women won’t know they are pregnant for the first month or so, when they might still be drinking. The risk is real. Why take the chance?”

Healthcare providers should advise women who want to become pregnant to stop drinking alcohol as soon as they stop using birth control. Most women don’t know they are pregnant until they are four to six weeks into the pregnancy and could unknowingly be exposing their developing baby to alcohol. FASDs are completely preventable if a woman does not drink alcohol during pregnancy.

For this Vital Signs report, scientists from CDC’s National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities analyzed data from the 2011–2013 National Survey of Family Growth, which gathers information on family life, marriage, divorce, pregnancy, infertility, use of birth control, and men’s and women’s health. National estimates of alcohol-exposed pregnancy were calculated among 4,303 non-pregnant, non-sterile women ages 15–44 years. A woman was considered to be at risk for an alcohol-exposed pregnancy if in the past month she was not sterile, her partner was not known to be sterile, she had vaginal sex with a male, drank any alcohol, and did not use birth control. A woman was considered to be trying to get pregnant if a desired pregnancy was the reason she and her partner stopped using contraception.

Overall, 3.3 million US women (7.3 percent of women ages 15–44 who were having sex, who were non-pregnant and non-sterile) were at risk of exposing their developing baby to alcohol if they were to become pregnant.

“Every woman who is pregnant or trying to get pregnant – and her partner – want a healthy baby. But they may not be aware that drinking any alcohol atany stage of pregnancy can cause a range of disabilities for their child,” said Coleen Boyle, Ph.D., director of CDC’s National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities. “It is critical for healthcare providers to assess a woman’s drinking habits during routine medical visits; advise her not to drink at all if she is pregnant, trying to get pregnant or sexually active and not using birth control; and recommend services if she needs help to stop drinking.”

The CDC works to prevent alcohol-exposed pregnancies and FASDs through a variety of activities including:

• Tracking alcohol use among women of reproductive age in the United States;
• Supporting the implementation of evidence-based interventions to reduce risky alcohol use and alcohol-exposed pregnancies, including through alcohol screening and brief intervention and the CHOICES program;
• Collaborating with FASD Practice and Implementation Centers and national partners to promote practice changes among healthcare providers in the prevention, identification, and management of FASDs;
• Promoting effective interventions for children, adolescents, and young adults living with FASDs and their families; and
• Offering FASD-related educational information and materials for women of reproductive age, healthcare providers, and the general public.

For more information about alcohol use during pregnancy and FASDs, please visit www.cdc.gov/fasd.