THANKS FOR ALL THE HELP!!!!!

Renee Hefti called me tonight absolutely thrilled that her presentation to the
board, the media coverage and the surge of letters worked.  She asked me to get
on to LACTNET and thank all of you who sent in your letter.  Here is the news
release from BC WOMENS:

September 14, 1995
BC WOMEN'S FIRST IN CANADA TO PAY FOR ALL INFANT FORMULA

British Columbia's Women's Hospital and Health Centre Society Board of Directors
today announced that Canada's largest obstetrical facility will pay for all
infant formula.

The policy of paying for formula will be monitored closely and reviewed in one
year to determine if formula use decreases.  BC Women's had formerly accepted
free forumla, but did not accept grants offered by formula companies.

This major step is part of BC Women's ongoing commitment to promoting and
supporting breastfeeding.  The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, as
well as the BC Ministry of Health, have been most emphatic that hospitals refuse
free formula as an integral part of their efforts to promote breastfeeding.

Paying for formula will not by itself promote breastfeeding.  Greater staff
awareness and public perception is vital.  We believe that paying for formula
may make us more disciplined in its distribution and use.

Research has shown that breast fed babies and their mothers are healthier.  As a
leader in women's health, BC Women's will continue to make every effort to
increase breastfeeding rates in our facility and our province.

As with all previous formula contracts, BC Women's will choose the supplier by
the nutritional content of the product.  (  editors note:  Rumour has it that
this will be R---     ?????? - if this is so then  MJ - is the big loser here)

For more information, please call BC Women's Community Relations 875-2383
*************************************************

The first step is always the hardest - now we have a leader.   Congratulations
to BC Womens for being the first to do the RIGHT THING.    Renee wants you all
to fax your delight to the hospital board - but I am going to bed now - will
give fax numbers tomorrow  -

JUST needed to share this ASAP    goonite,      Kim Campbell (Vancouver)