New mothers will be given book collections for their newborns at this Baton Rouge hospital

By Charles Lussier, The Advocate

Apr 15, 2026

Woman’s is one of a handful of hospitals across the country that have joined forces with Durham, North Carolina-based Book Harvest to provide newborns and their families with starter home libraries.

“We cannot hesitate. Reading opens doors to endless positives,” said Rene Ragas, president and chief executive officer at Woman’s, at a news conference Wednesday.

“The impact of these library starter kids will be profound,” Ragas continued. “We're proud to place them in the hands of our families from the beginning.”

The hospital is raising money to purchase book kits through its charitable foundation as well as with help from the prominent nonprofit, the Baton Rouge Area Foundation, or BRAF. It’s a partnership years in the making.

Chris Meyer, BRAF’s president and chief executive officer, said he’s gratified to see “our community is stepping up to give to other families so they can have resources and tools from Day One to support their families.”

“That's what makes a strong and vibrant community,” said Meyer.

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