Community Educational Outreach Service (CEOS) groups and volunteers from around the region have, for the third consecutive year, helped celebrate heart month in February by knitting and crocheting hats to distribute to babies born at United Hospital Center (UHC).

 

The group hopes that the donation raises awareness concerning the dangers of stroke and congenital heart defects while honoring moms, babies, and heart healthy lives in a special way.

 

“It is certainly a privilege to be one of the hospitals receiving a donation of hats, as it is essential to bring awareness to heart disease,” said Denise Steffich, volunteer coordinator at UHC.  “We greatly appreciate all the volunteers who are knitting or crocheting hats, as without their support, this would not be possible.”

 

“A congenital heart defect is a condition that presents itself at birth and affects the structure of the heart and how it works. It is the number one most common birth defect and affects 8 out of 1000 births annually,” said Lee Ann Romeo, RNC, CCE, CLC, Childbirth Educator/Lactation Counselor at UHC. “Together, we are advocating for change and healthier lifestyles.”