Emergencies can happen anywhere in the world, including North Georgia. Infants and young children are especially vulnerable to malnutrition, illness, and death in these situations. Whatever the emergency – from earthquake to terrorism, from floods to the flu pandemic – the story is the same: breastfeeding is a lifeline and a shield that protects infants in emergencies.In September, the North Georgia Health District joins the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) coalition in emphasizing the protection and support of safe and appropriate infant and young child feeding during emergencies through these local Celebrations for World Breastfeeding (also see attached flyers):
Gilmer/Fannin/Pickens Counties
° Date: Friday, Sept.11, 2009, 10:00 a.m. – 12 noon
° Location: Downtown Ellijay on the Roundabout, grassy area in front of Watkins House, Ellijay, GA
- Rain Location: Deli Junction, 96 Craig St. #107, East Ellijay, GA
Murray County
° Date: Monday, Sept.14, 2009, 10:00 a.m. – 12 noon
° Location: City Park, Chatsworth, GA
- Located off Hwy. 411 behind City Hall at 400 N. 2nd Ave
- Rain Location: Holly Creek Baptist Church, 422 Holly Creek Cool Springs Rd., Chatsworth, GA
Whitfield County
° Date: Friday, Sept.18, 2009, 10:00 a.m. – 12 noon
° Location: Dalton Green Park, Dalton, GA
- Located on Selvidge St. next door to the Whitfield County Courthouse and behind Krystals
- Rain Location: Dalton City Hall, 114 N. Pentz St., in front of Krystals
Cherokee County
° Date: Tuesday, Sept.29, 2009, 10:00 a.m. – 12 noon
° Location: Downtown Woodstock City Park, Woodstock, GA
- Located at 101 Arnold Mill Rd. (corner of Town Lake, Main St. and Arnold Mill Rd.)
- Rain Location: Woodstock Recreation Center, 7545 Main St., Bldg. 200, Woodstock (next door to Woodstock Health Dept.)
These Celebrations for World Breastfeeding are designed to promote and support breastfeeding families in our community. All moms, babies, and their families are invited to participate. The North Georgia Health District Emergency Preparedness Department will have information handy for families on disaster preparedness. Walks and fun activities are planned, and participants can enjoy a game of “So You Think Your IQ is Higher than a Breastfed Baby?”.
When an emergency strikes, simple measures can make all the difference in the world. Emergency preparedness is the key to quick appropriate actions. Mothers need to be secure and have priority access to food for the family, water, shelter and safe places to breastfeed.
For more information, call Carol Hendrix at 1-888-284-3998. To see local events listed or for more details on World Breastfeeding, see www.worldbreastfeedingweek.org.