Genesee County Health Department
Better Life Through Better Health
Current
Date: September 21, 2010
Release Date: Immediate Release
Kill Date: 9/30/10
Contact Person: Marcia Franks, Public Health
Supervisor
Phone: (810) 257- 3202
RE:
Breastfeeding Advocate of the Year
The Genesee County Breastfeeding Coalition is pleased to announce the
Genesee County Breastfeeding Advocate of the Year will be awarded to
Kathy O’Brien on September 28 at the Coalition monthly meeting.
Selection of the Breastfeeding Advocate of the Year was based on the
following criteria: the person is clear in his/her support of
breastfeeding; he/she supports women to breastfeed through
encouragement, accurate and timely information, advice, reassurance,
affirmation, hands-on assistance and practical tips; and he/she
reinforces the practice and support of breastfeeding with colleagues.
Ms. O’Brien was nominated by a peer at Genesys Regional Medical Center.
The nomination submitted for Ms. O’Brien described her as a nurse who
“…has gone above and beyond….she has a tremendous gift of helping every
mother feel successful and realize the importance of breastfeeding…other
staff members depend on her to assist with difficult breastfeeding
cases. She is a tremendous team resource. She is gentle and makes
patients successful at every feeding event no matter how difficult it
may have been.”
Three other individuals will also be recognized for their outstanding
efforts to promote breastfeeding: Loui Brickey, Lactation Consultant at
Genesys Regional Medical Center; Candace Kukla, Registered Dietitian at
Genesys Home Health and Hospice; and Mary Less, Lactation Consultant at
Hurley Medical Center.
This award is one of many activities undertaken by the Genesee County
Breastfeeding Coalition. Formed in 2008, the Coalition has been successful
in bringing together representatives from all three local hospitals,
clinics, schools, public health and other human service agencies. The group
has developed local materials to support mothers in their decision to
breastfeed, held a Breastfeeding Initiation Challenge with local hospitals,
sponsored a workshop for professionals, and continues to focus on activities
that will encourage families to choose breastfeeding for their infants. For
more information, contact the Genesee County Health Department at (810)
257-3612 or visit the website at
www.gchd.us.
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