Healthy Babies Day in Albion September 28
Information on raising healthy babies just became more available due in part from grant money from the Albion-Homer United Way.
The Healthy Babies Day 2024 event on September 28 is offered by the Albion Health Care Alliance with many sponsors helping make this a successful day. This is the 16th year for this community health event.
Held from 10 am to noon at Albion’s Harrington Elementary School 100 S. Clark St. this free event is designed for expectant parents or those caring for a child ages newborn to 18 months.
Information on breastfeeding, nutrition and how to have babies safely sleep is all part of the educational component of this annual event. In addition there will be information on child growth and development and health resources available in the community. Albion branch of Milk Like Mine consultants will provide free lactation counseling
Families and caregivers are encouraged to attend the breakout sessions available at Healthy Babies Day. According to Amanda Cheladyn of the ACA “the Calhoun County Health Department will take the lead on one breakout session, providing attendees with important safety information and tips for those caring for infants and toddlers.”
In collaboration with the Albion Rotary Club, Healthy Babies Day will also host the author of the brain game. ‘This book provides information about child brain growth from birth through age three. Attendees will be taught songs, activities, and behaviors that will help foster their child's intellectual and social development,’ Cheladyn added.
In addition there will be many giveaways including diapers, sleep sacks, first aid kits and many more items for parents and caregivers of infants up to 18 months.
Helping financially support non-profits is at the core of the Albion-Homer United Way’s mission. Raising funds through donations continues throughout the year, according to Marcia Starkey AHUW Executive Director.
Starkey said there are several good reasons to donate to the local United Way including that donations fund Albion and Homer specific programs and funding decisions are made by a local board. Donor lists are never shared with other agencies and payroll deductions make donating easier.
Donations can be mailed at any time to AHUW P.O. Box 55, Albion, MI 49224, made on-line at www.albionhomeruw.org or by contacting Starkey at 517-499-2563.
AHUW board members are Carolyn Amos, Donisha Brewer, Art Kale, Michael Leskowich, Isabell Nazar, Jenny Wilbur, Eddie Williams and Shane Williamson.
Parents listen to advice during last year’s Healthy Babies Day. This year it will be held from 10-noon Sept. 28 at Harrington Elementary School. The free event is sponsored by Albion Health Care Alliance with support from an Albion-Homer United Way grant.