Media Release

CONTACT: Laurie Petrone, MS, RD 578-2889
Chief, Health Policy and Communications
FOR: Immediate Release
DATE: October 25, 2000

U.S. Surgeon General Celebrates Rhode Island’s Outstanding Achievements in Breastfeeding Promotion

Providence – On Monday, October 30, David Satcher, MD, PhD, Surgeon General of the United States will join Patricia A. Nolan, MD, MPH, Director of the Rhode Island Department of Health at a special ceremony celebrating Rhode Island’s accomplishments in breastfeeding promotion at the Roger Williams Park Casino. In addition to recognizing the state’s achievements, the Surgeon General will release the national "HHS Blueprint for Action on Breastfeeding", an overarching policy statement and action plan to promote breastfeeding."Just over a year ago, the Rhode Island Breastfeeding Coalition, in partnership with the Department of Health, took the bold step of putting together a comprehensive strategic plan to build support for breastfeeding," said Patricia Nolan. "Both Dr. Satcher and I now have the pleasure of celebrating the milestones reached since then. We are happy to honor our partners for their leadership and commitment to breastfeeding mothers. Education, policy, and organizational change are among the tools these leaders are using to promote breastfeeding."

Drs. Satcher and Nolan will recognize South County Hospital for becoming the first hospital in Rhode Island to be designated as "Baby Friendly" by the World Health Organization, joining a select group of only 27 hospitals nationwide. In addition, American Power Conversion, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island, and UnitedHealthcare will receive awards for implementing workplace programs that support breastfeeding mothers. Several other organizations, businesses, and individuals who have made significant contributions in breastfeeding promotion will also be recognized as part of the ceremony.

Rhode Island’s strategic plan closely matches that developed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Both plans include recommendations to expand breastfeeding education and training among health care providers, improve the workplace environment for breastfeeding employees, enhance peer-counseling programs, and utilize the media to increase awareness of breastfeeding. Rhode Island’s plan also targets health plans’ policies and practices and advocates legislation that supports breastfeeding women.

Please note: Dr. Satcher will also participate in events later on October 30, 2000 to highlight the Surgeon General's report on Mental Health.