Jacksonville, Fla.— The Florida Department of Health invites you to join Duval County Health Department officials and State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong, celebrate St. Vincent’s Southside and Naval Hospital Jacksonville’s Baby Friendly hospital designations. Come learn how each have a commitment to healthier newborns and celebrate two of the 10 hospitals in Florida to achieve this designation.

The international Baby Friendly Award is given by Baby-Friendly USA, part of a global initiative sponsored by the World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). It is awarded to hospitals that meet the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding criteria listed on the Baby-Friendly USA website. The purpose of the campaign is to promote breastfeeding as a vital health activity as well as encourage breastfeeding friendly communities throughout the state of Florida. Breastfeeding is the preferred method of feeding infants and is supported by the Florida Department of Health as well as major health organizations such as the WHO and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

WHAT: CELEBRATION OF TWO BABY FRIENDLY HOSPITALS IN DUVAL COUNTY

WHEN:Friday, Sept. 11, 2015 at 1 p.m.

WHERE:St. Vincent’s Southside, 4201 Belfort Road, Jacksonville, FL 32216

About the Florida Department of Health

The department works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

Follow us on Twitter at@HealthyFlaand onFacebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visitwww.FloridaHealth.gov.

Note to media: Interviews and b-roll opportunities available after event.