First baby of 2024
January 09, 2024
HSHS St. Francis Hospital proudly welcomed Hank Allen Blankenship as the first baby born at the hospital in 2024. He was born at 7:54 a.m. on January 4, 2024, at the Family Maternity Center; weighing 8 lbs. 7 oz. and is 19 inches long. Bryson’s proud parents are Shelbie Blankenship and Chase Blankenship of Mt. Olive, Illinois.
In celebration of being the first baby born in 2024 at St. Francis Hospital, the baby and family were given a gift card from hospital administration and presented by the colleagues of the Family Maternity Center.
For others expecting in 2024, St. Francis offers a wide range of services for mothers and infants, and the prenatal class schedule for 2024 is now available here.
The Family Maternity Center is designated a Silver Safe Sleep Hospital through the Eunice Kennedy Shriver organization and Cribs for Kids Program. It is also a Certified Baby-Friendly Hospital by the WHO and UNICEF, one of only approximately 600 designated hospitals in the US. The initiative encourages and recognizes hospitals and birthing centers that offer an optimal level of care for breastfeeding mothers and their babies.
Photo Caption: HSHS St. Francis Hospital Family Maternity Center celebrated the first baby born at the hospital in 2024. Hank Allen Blankenship was born to Shelbie and Chase Blankenship of Mt. Olive, Illinois at 9:09 a.m. on January 4, 2024.
In celebration of being the first baby born in 2024 at St. Francis Hospital, the baby and family were given a gift card from hospital administration and presented by the colleagues of the Family Maternity Center.
For others expecting in 2024, St. Francis offers a wide range of services for mothers and infants, and the prenatal class schedule for 2024 is now available here.
The Family Maternity Center is designated a Silver Safe Sleep Hospital through the Eunice Kennedy Shriver organization and Cribs for Kids Program. It is also a Certified Baby-Friendly Hospital by the WHO and UNICEF, one of only approximately 600 designated hospitals in the US. The initiative encourages and recognizes hospitals and birthing centers that offer an optimal level of care for breastfeeding mothers and their babies.
Photo Caption: HSHS St. Francis Hospital Family Maternity Center celebrated the first baby born at the hospital in 2024. Hank Allen Blankenship was born to Shelbie and Chase Blankenship of Mt. Olive, Illinois at 9:09 a.m. on January 4, 2024.
Media Contact
Kelly Barbeau
HSHS Illinois Marketing & Communications Director