September 12, 2025, Press Release from Joint Township District Memorial Hospital:
ST. MARYS, Ohio – Joint Township District Memorial Hospital has earned all five stars in the Ohio First Steps for Healthy Babies program. This program, led by the Ohio Department of Health and Ohio Hospital Association, recognizes maternity centers in Ohio that have taken steps to promote, protect and support breastfeeding in their organizations. A five-star program, the Ohio First Steps for Healthy Babies program awards a star for every two steps achieved. In August, which is also National Breastfeeding Month, Joint Township learned they successfully earned their final two steps, awarding them with all five stars of the program.
Pictured L to R: Olivia Stachler, RN, IBCLC; Amy D. Becker MHA, BSN, RNC-OB, C-EFM | OB Nurse Manager; Samatha Ulenhake, RN, IBCLC.
“Through the efforts of our dedicated birthing center nurses and providers, we have achieved this noteworthy accomplishment. I am very proud of our team and the work they do every day to provide the best start for all our newborns,” said Amy Becker, Birthing Center Nurse Manager for Joint Township District Memorial Hospital. The Ohio First Steps for Healthy Babies is a voluntary breastfeeding designation program and was first launched in Ohio in 2015.
For more information, please visit grandlakehealth.org or ohiohospitals.org/ohiofirststeps.
