Healthy Savannah recently marked the completion of the third year of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) Grant period in Chatham County.
The organization has been working with community partners to make breastfeeding information more accessible and to ensure families feel supported in various public spaces, according to a community announcement.
Key initiatives from the past year include a grant that facilitated the donation of 75 copies of "The Art of Breastfeeding" to the Live Oak Public Libraries system and partner organizations. This move aims to provide parents, caregivers and health advocates with easy access to trusted breastfeeding education materials.
La Leche League grant helps with education
"Making high-quality
breastfeeding resources available through local libraries is a simple but powerful way to meet families where they are," said Dr. Elsie Smalls, Healthy Savannah’s REACH Team Breastfeeding program manager. "When parents and caregivers can easily find reliable information, they are better equipped to make informed decisions and receive support throughout their breastfeeding journey."
The organization also reported increased participation in its "Breastfeeding Welcome Here" campaign, which encourages public-facing locations to affirm that breastfeeding families are welcome, according to the announcement. More than 25 sites have been recognized for complying with Georgia’s breastfeeding and lactation laws, including the PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act and Title IX protections for lactating students.
"Businesses and organizations that provide dedicated lactation spaces and supportive policies based on the PUMP Act send a strong message to employees that they care about their needs," Smalls said.
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Public service message boosts support
In the spring, Healthy Savannah produced a public service announcement highlighting the importance of breastfeeding-friendly spaces and the role businesses and organizations play in supporting maternal and child health. The one-minute video was hosted by Savannah Downtown Business Association director Mia Mance.
Healthy Savannah wrapped up its third-year efforts by partnering with the Coastal Health District during World Breastfeeding Week in August. The free event at the Pennsylvania Avenue Recreation Center featured displays and giveaways from local partners, breastfeeding education, sign-ups for local nutrition assistance programs like WIC, a celebration walk and more.
"Breastfeeding acceptance is about more than awareness," said Armand Turner, executive director of Healthy Savannah. "It is about creating everyday environments where families feel respected, welcomed and supported. We are grateful to the businesses, libraries, organizations and partners who are helping make that vision a reality."
Multiyear effort is part of REACH initiative
The breastfeeding promotion and acceptance work is part of Healthy Savannah’s ongoing implementation of the CDC REACH Grant, a national initiative designed to improve health, prevent chronic disease and reduce racial and ethnic health disparities. In Chatham County, Healthy Savannah’s REACH work also includes strategies that support nutrition security, physical activity and stronger community environments for health.
"These and all of Healthy Savannah's accomplishments during the past year, and every year since Healthy Savannah received its first REACH grant in 2018, reflect our continued commitment to sustainable systems change by increasing opportunities and availability of healthy resources and education," Turner said. "In other words, making the healthy choice should also be the easy choice."
Community businesses and organizations interested in joining the "Breastfeeding Welcome Here" campaign can contact Healthy Savannah at healthysavannah.org/our-programs/breastfeeding/ for more information.
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This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: New efforts make breastfeeding easier in Savannah
