COVINGTON, Ga. – Georgia First Lady Sandra Deal visited Piedmont Newton Hospital on Tuesday to discuss the importance of immunizations with new mothers and to visit the hospital’s First Steps program.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to visit with new mothers and families to encourage the importance of immunizations and safe sleep practices. I also emphasize the significant impact talking and reading to a child has on their brain development,” Deal said. “We are pleased that representatives of the First Steps program are available locally to advise new parents and answer their questions.”

During her visit at Piedmont Newton, Deal met with several patients expecting their first child. Deal, a strong advocate for children’s health, emphasized the importance of scheduled immunizations and said she supports First Steps’ focus on maternal health, infant and child safety, and wellness.

The First Steps program at Piedmont Newton educates families about children’s health and has provided services to nearly 6,000 families over the past 21 years. The program is part of the Great Start Georgia initiative, which provides support services for families and children.

“We’re honored to have Ms. Deal come visit for the third year to educate our patients about immunizations and children’s health,” Missy Braden, coordinator of the First Steps program at Piedmont Newton, said.  “With help from Ms. Deal, we’re able to provide mothers and families information about local resources and educational materials on maternal and childhood health.”

The First Steps program at Piedmont Newton has benefited more than 300 mothers and families in 2017, according to Braden. For more information, visit piedmont.org.