Niagara County Lactation Initiative

Lactation Volunteer Initiative: Why? Poor Niagara County Health Rankings for chronic and infectious diseases Infant hospitalization for infectious disease Health and nutrition equity for infants and young children Gaps in provider services Science and evidence support the lifelong benefits of early nutrition and protection afforded by feeding human milk within the first hour of birth, exclusively for the 1st 6 months and continued for 1 year and beyond Public Health Imperative for human health

Lactation Volunteer Initiative: Why? Volunteers most important resource, as this initiative requires minimum changes to physical public health infrastructure Of the community, for the community Volunteers comprise the spectra of capabilities: inclusivity, including functionally challenged individuals

Partnerships Healthy Moms Healthy Babies Niagara Cornell Cooperative Extension Moms Net University of Buffalo Opportunities Unlimited Hospitals Businesses

Outreach Events Healthy Moms Healthy Babies Walk City of Lockport Health Fair Niagara County Fair Niagara County Employees Health Fair Tuscarora Nation Health Fair Niagara County Community College Air Reserve Station Federal Health Fair

Data Gathering and Analysis Breastfeeding Community Survey Fun Quiz

Recruitment Social media, press, outreach Onsite registration and entry into SERVNY

Achievements Establishment of a designated lactation room for county employees and guests at the health department Designation of breastfeeding friendly workplaces and daycares Expanding partnerships Establishment of a breastfeeding support line Lactation Professional Certifications Published NYSAC Article Functional Needs Breastfeeding Initiative

Initiatives Breastfeeding Friendly - Workplace and Childcare Providers Letter from Public Health Director & Planning Director Assessment Survey Accommodation Recommendations Breastfeeding Friendly Designation Certificate

2014 Achievements

2015 Achievements

2016 Achievements

Lactation Room Partner Support: Media Coverage Niagara County Department of Health Board of Health Legislature Media Coverage Buffalo News – article Channel 4 News – video Health Scope – video Niagara Gazette - article

Feed and Protect: Health Security is Fluid! 2016-2017 GOALS 10% Increase volunteer cohort Establish Mindfulness Mental Health Support Initiative Public Symposium with experts Breastfeeding Initiation and exclusivity rates Finalize public health lactation support website Small businesses on board- PHD recognition