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)