by BECKY GOFF
Little Apple Post
RILEY COUNTY - The Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition has named the Riley County Health Department as the 'Breastfeeding Friendly Local Health Department'.
Supporting breastfeeding families within the community is a critical role for local health departments.
The designation of 'Breastfeeding Friendly Local Health Department' was created by the Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition and Wichita State University's Community Engagement Institute, along with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment in order to recognize and celebrate the commitment of local health departments in supporting breastfeeding families.
In Kansas, nearly 90% of new parents attempt breastfeeding after giving birth, with only half of those continuing to breastfeed at 6 months.
The Riley County Health Departments has achieved the seven required criteria while working to improve breastfeeding rates in Riley County.
These criteria include community engagement, staff education, referral systems, client education and support along with investments in culturally competent lactation care and integration of diversity and equity in materials and imagery.
"We want to shine the spotlight on local health departments that have prioritized breastfeeding support," says Susan Lukwago, Chair of the Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition Board of Directors.
Local health departments across Kansas are encouraged to achieve the Breastfeeding Friendly Local Health Department designation to increase their capacity and effectiveness in providing families with breastfeeding support. More information is available at https://ksbreastfeeding.org/breastfeeding-friendly-local-health-department/
The Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition is a non-profit 501(c) 3 working collaboratively to promote, protect, and support breastfeeding to improve Kansas families' health and well-being.