CMH welcomes 20,000th baby

Community Services
• 28 April 2026

Citizens Memorial Hospital is proud to celebrate a major milestone with the birth of its 20,000th baby.

Born on April 22, 2026, at 10:35 a.m., baby Jovie Joann Ellie Prike weighed 7 pounds, 5 ounces and measured 21 inches long. The proud parents are Gabrielle Choate and Colton Prike of Springfield.

Baby Jovie joins four proud sisters, Raelynn, Kennedy, Couver and Parker, making this milestone even more special for the family.

“This is an exciting moment not only for this family but for our entire CMH community,” said Joannah Albright, RNC-OB, Birth Place director. “Each birth represents a new beginning, and reaching 20,000 babies delivered at CMH is a testament to the trust families place in us during some of life’s most meaningful moments.”

Sarah Kallberg, D.O.,  with the CMH OB/GYN Clinic, delivered Jovie.

Since opening its doors in 1982, Citizens Memorial Hospital has been a trusted partner in caring for growing families, offering compassionate, high-quality maternity care close to home.

Earlier this month, CMH opened its new Birth Place unit in the patient tower, enhancing the experience for families with a modern, comfortable and family-centered environment. The new facility features rooms that are 43% larger, expanding space for labor, delivery, recovery and postpartum care. The unit also includes an in-unit cesarean section suite, a dedicated triage room and enhanced security features.