For Release: May 15, 1998
Contact: Melissa Forsythe 502-564-2611
Elizabeth Davenport

PATTONS PROMOTE HEALTHY START

Frankfort, KY – New parents in Kentucky will have some help getting their babies off to a healthy start from a new program partnering state, corporate and Kentucky hospitals’ efforts.

Surrounded by babies at the state capitol in Frankfort , Governor Paul Patton and First Lady Judi Patton today launched the initiative.

"Our recent legislative session was the most productive in history for our children, but there’s more we can do to help ensure the safety and well-being of our children," Governor Patton said. "Today we have vaccines that protect us from polio, measles, mumps and many other childhood diseases, but not every child receives these vaccinations."

"We’re joining Kentucky’s American Greetings Corporation in a new immunization program to provide basic information to parents about what shots their newborns need and when," First Lady Judi Patton said. "We believe this reminder is a simple yet effective way to give our babies the healthy start in life they deserve."

About 20 percent, an estimated 11,000, of the children in Kentucky do not have up-to-date immunizations.

The Governor and First Lady were joined by parents and their children in the Capitol rotunda to announce the initiative and unveil a new greeting card. Every new parent in a Kentucky hospital will receive a congratulatory greeting card that includes a message from the state’s first family and important information about childhood vaccinations. All hospitals in Kentucky have agreed to participate in the new program.

The front of the card reads, "Congratulations…and best wishes for all the joy and happiness that a new baby can bring!" Inside is a message from the Governor and First Lady, "Congratulations on your new arrival! We know how precious your child is to you. Continuing to have your baby immunized against serious childhood diseases will help to ensure a healthy start in life for this little one." The card features information about what vaccines are needed and by what age. An immunization schedule that can be cut out and taken to the baby’s doctor at each visit is attached to the back of the card.

"It is an honor for American Greetings to partner with Governor and Mrs. Patton on this worthwhile project. We have created a greeting card that not only conveys their congratulations to the parents, but also an important message concerning the baby’s welfare". Said Tom Davis, Vice President of Manufacturing for American Greetings, which has four facilities in Kentucky employing 2500 associates. "Our children, and our families, will also benefit from this public health initiative."

"We need to protect the health of our babies right from the start. We must make sure our babies are immunized to help ensure their healthy futures", Mrs. Patton said.

-end-