We, the concerned members of the community, strongly urge Garnet Health Medical Center to reinstate René Fisher, an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), into the Lactation department. René has dedicated over 30 years of her life to helping families successfully breastfeed their children and has become an invaluable asset to our birthing hospital.

René's expertise and compassionate care have made her a trusted professional among returning patients who eagerly look forward to working with her during their breastfeeding journey. Her commitment to supporting families in this crucial aspect of early childhood development aligns perfectly with Garnet Health's Mission & Vision.

Breastfeeding is widely recognized as the optimal way to nourish infants and provides numerous health benefits for both mother and child. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), breastfeeding reduces infant mortality rates by preventing common childhood illnesses such as diarrhea and pneumonia. It also contributes significantly to maternal health by reducing the risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes, and postpartum depression.

René's extensive experience in lactation consulting has proven instrumental in promoting successful breastfeeding practices within our community. She possesses a deep understanding of various lactation challenges that mothers may encounter, including low milk supply, latch difficulties, engorgement issues, and more. Her ability to provide direct patient care tailored to each family's unique circumstances has resulted in countless success stories.

Moreover, we are currently facing an unprecedented world health crisis due to COVID-19. The pandemic has further highlighted the importance of breastfeeding as it boosts infants' immune systems through antibodies present in breast milk. René's direct patient care within our healthcare system is crucial now more than ever as she continues helping families navigate these challenging times while ensuring optimal nutrition for their babies.

By reinstating René Fisher into the Lactation department at Garnet Health Medical Center, we can ensure that families receive the highest level of care and support during their breastfeeding journey. René's expertise, dedication, and compassionate approach have positively impacted countless lives within our community.

We understand that budget constraints and organizational changes may have influenced the decision to terminate this lactation consultant. However, we firmly believe that her expertise, experience, and dedication to helping families succeed in their breastfeeding journey far outweigh any financial considerations. We urge you to reconsider this decision promptly and reinstate her position for the betterment of our community's health.
Let us stand together in support of this exceptional lactation consultant who embodies the very essence of Garnet Health's commitment to excellence in healthcare. We kindly request your immediate attention to this matter and look forward to a positive response from you.

Sign this petition today to reinstate René Fisher and ensure that future generations continue to benefit from her unparalleled expertise in lactation consulting.

Sources:
- World Health Organization (WHO) - Breastfeeding: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/breastfeeding (https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/breastfeeding 

Photo: https://www.garnethealth.org/news/garnet-health-gems-newsletter-august-2020