November 17, 2014--20

JFL ANNOUNCES ACTIVITIES IN OBSERVATION OF

PREMATURITY AWARENESS MONTH; HOSPITAL LIT
IN PURPLE TO RAISE AWARENESS OF WORLDWIDE
PREMATURITY AWARENESS DAY ON NOV 17
~Hospital Bringing Hope and Awareness to Community,
Reminds Residents of President Obama's PREEMIE
Reauthorization Act of 2013~

The Gov. Juan F. Luis Hospital and Medical Center is

pleased to announce a series of activities scheduled this
week in observation of Prematurity Awareness Month.
Beginning Monday, JFL will host special presentations,
tours, as well as a game day, fun day parade and family
reunion.
JFL CEO Dr. Kendall M. Griffith stated, "Premature
birth is the leading cause of newborn deaths. At JFL we
are embracing this month-long observation to raise
awareness about premature birth and to highlight the
many efforts by non-profit organizations, lawmakers,
research firms, business and community leaders to help
prevent preterm birth so more women may have full-term
pregnancies and healthy babies. By raising awareness
locally, we hope to educate residents of the prevalence of
this serious infant health issue."

An estimated 15 million babies around the world are

born premature each year, and more than one million of
them do not survive their early birth. Although the United
States has seen sustained improvement in its preterm
birth rate, it has one of the highest rates of preterm birth of
any industrialized country.
JFL officials report that in 2013, the Hospital had 85
premature deliveries out of 650 births. Statistics for JFL's
2014 premature rates will be available next year.
On Monday evening at 6:00 pm, the Gov. Juan F. Luis
Hospital and Medical Center was lit in purple light in
observation of Worldwide Prematurity Awareness Day,
November 17th. Hospital staff and members of the
community gathered in front of the building to take a
moment to reflect on the challenges that so many families
endure with preterm birth, and to discuss the healthy
outcomes, as well.
Faye John Baptiste, JFL Registered Nurse and Nurse
Manager helped to organize the week-long observation.
She stated, "Tiny miracles happen here every day, and in
spite of the challenges, there are so many wonderful
outcomes for families."
Prematurity Awareness Month events are scheduled
throughout the nation for the month of November.
Prominent buildings and landmarks in several states,
including the Empire State Building in New York City, will
be lit in purple light to symbolize hope for a healthy start

for more babies. Professional education programs, as well

as family events and gatherings are scheduled
nationwide.
According to Dr. Jennifer L. Howse, President of the
March of Dimes,1 in 9 babies is born too soon. She notes
that the impact on families that go through the delivery and
care for a preterm baby can be overwhelming. She said,
"This number has gone down for the past six consecutive
years, but it is still too high. Prematurity can lead to a host
of adverse health consequences for these babies and
place a terrible strain on their families."
In recognition of this serious health issue, on
November 27, 2013, President Barack Obama signed into
law S. 252, the PREEMIE Reauthorization Act, a bill to
reauthorize federal research, education and intervention
activities related to preterm birth and infant mortality.
S. 252 was endorsed and strongly supported by a wide
range of organizations, including the American Academy
of Pediatrics, the American Congress of Obstetricians and
Gynecologists, the Association of Women's Health,
Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses, the Association of
Maternal and Child Health Programs, the Association of
State and Territorial Health Officials, the National
Association of City and County Health Officers, and many
others.
Dr. Griffith stated, "We are proud to join the global
community in observing Worldwide Prematurity

Awareness Day and Prematurity Awareness Month. Every

baby deserves a healthy start, and JFL is committed to
promoting healthy pregnancies, healthy infants, and
healthy families."
November 17th is recognized around the world as the
fourth annual World Prematurity Day. More information is
available at www.facebook.com/WorldPrematurityDay,
where families and volunteers can share stories and
videos about babies born too soon. The page also
features an interactive world map showing the home place
for each story told.
For more information on JFL's activities in recognition
of Prematurity Awareness Month, please contact Faye
John Baptiste at 340-772-7348 and Samuel Baptiste or
Joanna Jn Baptiste at 340-778-6311.
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