Willis-Knighton Health System’s hospitals with birthing centers have been honored with special banners, acknowledging their support and achievements as part of a statewide initiative to reduce elective, non-medically indicated deliveries prior to 39 weeks.
Receiving banners were the Center for Women’s Health at Willis-Knighton South, Keri Elrod, administrator; WK Bossier Health Center, Cliff Broussard, administrator and WK Pierremont Health Center, Sonny Moss, administrator.
The Louisiana Division of the March of Dimes, Louisiana Hospital Association and the Louisiana Department of Health & Hospitals have established programs to encourage hospitals and expectant mothers to understand the importance of allowing babies to come spontaneously, giving them the time they need to develop and be healthy when they arrive.
“A healthy baby is worth the wait,” Frankie Robertson, Louisiana March of Dimes state director, said as she acknowledged Willis-Knighton’s longstanding support for the March of Dimes and healthy babies. Joining Robertson in making the presentation was Makesha Judson, the state’s program director for the March of Dimes.
“We are very proud of Willis- Knighton for their success in the 39+ Week Initiative,” Judson said. “Due to the significant reduction in early elective deliveries, more babies are being born full-term and fewer babies experience time in the NICU. These quality measures are vital to improving the health of babies and we commend Willis-Knighton for their hard work.”
Todd Eppler, LHA board member and administrator at DeSoto Regional Health System, represented LHA, which is funding the banners for Louisiana hospitals that meet criteria set by the March of Dimes. “The Louisiana Hospital Association is proud to present this banner and recognize Willis-Knighton Health System for meeting the March of Dimes’ criteria for Birth Outcomes. Willis- Knighton’s commitment to healthy mothers and babies is evidenced by the hard work and dedication of its leadership, employees, and physicians and the combined effort it took to accomplish the March of Dimes’ goals.”
Eppler said the LHA has been an active partner since the beginning of the Louisiana Birth Outcomes Initiative.
