Media Release

FOR: Immediate Release
DATE: August 2, 1999
CONTACT: Bethany DiNapoli, MS, RD (401) 222-5958/
(401) 225-0704

Deloris Jordan, Mother of Michael Jordan, and Rhode Island Department of Health Kickoff "World Breastfeeding Week"

Newport - On Sunday, August 1st, the Rhode Island Department of Health celebrated "World Breastfeeding Week" at the Eisenhower House in Newport, launching a statewide campaign to promote breastfeeding. Patricia A. Nolan, Director of Health, hosted featured guest speaker, Deloris Jordan, mother to basketball star Michael Jordan. Mrs. Jordan, a former breastfeeding mother and author of Family First: Winning the Parenting Game, came to Rhode Island to launch the State’s breastfeeding campaign and promote breastfeeding as the gold standard of infant feeding.

Breastfeeding remains one of the best-kept health secrets in our country. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding for all babies because of its positive impact on infant and child health, growth and development. Breastfed babies experience fewer health problems such as ear infections and allergies than babies who are formula fed. Mothers who breastfeed lower their risk of developing breast and ovarian cancers, osteoporosis, and anemia. "Breastfeeding allowed me to give my children the best possible start in life. They have since become successful adults. And I am here today to encourage more women to give their children the lasting gift of breastfeeding," said Deloris Jordan.

The State’s campaign aims to improve Rhode Island's breastfeeding rate--one of the lowest in the nation. "Only 53% of Rhode Island babies are breastfed at birth. By six months of age, that decreases to only 25%. Our goal is to increase breastfeeding to 75% of all newborns. We want to see at least 50% of babies breastfed for at least six months," states Dr. Nolan.

Over the next two years the campaign plans to increase public awareness about the benefits of breastfeeding, expand breastfeeding education and training for health care providers, improve the workplace environment for breastfeeding employees, promote health plans’ breastfeeding benefits, and support policies that benefit breastfeeding women.

"World Breastfeeding Week" marks the signing of the Innocenti Declaration on August 1, 1990 in Florence, Italy. That declaration, endorsed by the World Health Organization and UNICEF, protects, promotes and supports breastfeeding worldwide.

For speech or hearing impaired, 1-800-745-5555 (TTY)
Department of Health Website: www.health.state.ri.us