McLeod Dillon has been selected to be among the first hospitals in the nation to join the EMPower Initiative  to enhance maternity care practices and work toward achieving the Baby Friendly USA© designation.
EMPower is a three-year hospital-based quality improvement initiative focusing on maternity practices leading to Baby-Friendly designation. Funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, EMPower is aimed at increasing breastfeeding rates throughout the United States and promoting and supporting optimal breastfeeding practices toward the ultimate goal of improving the public’s health.
“McLeod Dillon is proud to be part of the movement of hospitals nationwide to work towards the coveted baby friendly designation, which signifies excellence in maternal and infant care,” said Pat Jones, RN, Director of Women’s Services at McLeod Dillon.  “It is proven that the quality of early care and nutrition offered to infants has enormous impact on the child’s future wellness.”
As part of this effort, McLeod Dillon will receive ongoing support in breastfeeding practices from experienced coaches, as well as training and resource support in lactation education. The effort supports evidence-based practices for prenatal and maternity settings known as the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding and the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative, an effort to encourage and recognize hospitals and birthing centers that complete the Ten Steps. The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative, launched in the United States in 1996, designates as “Baby-Friendly” hospitals that meet the criteria for women to initiate and continue with breastfeeding.
The EMPower Team is led by Abt Associates, Carolina Global Breastfeeding Institute, and the Center for Public Health Quality.

About McLeod Dillon
With a strong history in the Dillon community since 1943, McLeod Dillon has continued to grow and expand to serve residents of Dillon and surrounding counties with excellence in patient care. The Joint Commission accredited medical center employs 350 and has the strength of 100 physicians on its medical staff. McLeod Dillon offers general and orthopedic surgery, women’s services, emergency services, intensive care, rehabilitative services and cardiac rehabilitation.