Jamestown baby Christopher Kwakye first born at JRMC in 2026

Jamestown welcomed its first newborn of the year when Christopher Lelia Kwakye was born at Jamestown Regional Medical Center on Jan. 5 at 7:24 p.m. The boy weighed 7 pounds, 7 ounces and measured 19 inches at birth, hospital staff reported.

His mother, Janet Benson, is a Jamestown resident who works at the Anne Carlsen Center, a longtime local employer known for services to children with disabilities. Family plans include a sister traveling from Liberia to meet the new baby, a detail that highlights the wide-reaching connections of local households in Stutsman County.

The delivery adds to JRMC’s ongoing role as the county’s primary maternity provider. The hospital recorded 341 births in 2025, underscoring steady demand for labor and delivery services in the region. For residents who rely on local care, the arrival of Christopher is a reminder that full-service obstetric support remains available close to home.

Beyond the statistics, births at JRMC have practical implications for community planning and services. Local public health officials monitor yearly birth totals when considering pediatric care needs, school enrollment projections, and family support programs. Employers such as Anne Carlsen also feel the ripple effects when staff balance caregiving and work responsibilities; community clinics and employers often coordinate to keep services running while families adjust to new additions.

Christopher’s birth is also a social moment for Jamestown. New arrivals often prompt visits from neighbors, church groups, and civic organizations that supply meals, childcare help, or donated items for growing families. For residents with relatives abroad, like Christopher’s sister in Liberia, the newborn period becomes a focal point for travel, fundraising, and virtual connection.

The practical side of this news matters to families weighing where to give birth, and to policymakers tracking the needs of young families. Local residents can take comfort that JRMC continues to manage deliveries and maintain neonatal care capacity, and community groups remain ready to support parents during the early weeks.

The takeaway? Celebrate the new neighbor, mark the health system’s steady service, and if you know the Benson family, a casserole or a cheerful card goes a long way. Our two cents? Welcome Christopher to Stutsman County and check in with your neighbors—new babies make a town feel a little smaller and a lot friendlier.