MERIT HEALTH RIVER OAKS

Congratulations to Merit Health River Oaks, CHEER’s CHAMPion of the Week! After five years of dedication and quality improvement work, the hospital was re-designated as Baby-Friendly on September 21, 2023.

Located in Flowood, Mississippi, Merit Health River Oaks is known in its community as being a family-centered facility providing quality care. The hospital has been working with CHAMPS since 2017, determined to improve breastfeeding education, resources, and support.

“The mission of Merit Health River Oaks is to provide quality patient care through a genuine commitment to service to our customers. This commitment to excellence by our team was the driving force in our pursuit of Baby-Friendly re-designation. By maintaining the framework of Baby-Friendly, our team is able to assist mothers in providing their babies with the best start in life,” shares Amanda Heath RN, BSN, CLC, OB Education/Lactation at Merit Health River Oaks.

“Our journey in pursuing re-designation required the dedication and focus of our entire team of physicians and staff. We are grateful for the diligence of our team at Merit Health River Oaks in educating, empowering, and supporting our patients and their newborns. We must also give credit to our amazing support team at CHAMPS, especially Laura Burnham. We witnessed CHAMPS’ dedication to equipping and guiding hospitals along the journey to pursuing and maintaining Baby-Friendly Designation.”

CHEER is thrilled to celebrate this well-deserved achievement! We look forward to working with Merit Health River Oaks on sustainability and maintenance as they continue their Baby-Friendly journey.