Coalition Member helps Anderson County Health Department to Receive Award for efforts to strengthen breastfeeding support

The Role of Local Health Departments in Breastfeeding Support

The Anderson County Health Department’s achievement serves as an inspiration for other local health departments across Kansas. By pursuing the Breastfeeding Friendly Local Health Department designation, these departments can increase their capacity to support breastfeeding families, ultimately leading to healthier communities.

Investing in breastfeeding support is an investment in the future. It’s about creating an environment where every mother feels valued, every child has the best possible start, and the entire community benefits from improved health outcomes. As more health departments across Kansas strive to achieve this designation, we move closer to a state where breastfeeding is universally supported and celebrated. In Anderson County, this achievement is a testament to what is possible when a community comes together to support its mothers. By championing breastfeeding, the Anderson County Health Department is not only promoting public health but also paving the way for a brighter, healthier future for all, and our Coalition is so proud to be a part of this amazing accomplishment!

Press Release

Garnett, KS, July 22, 2024 – Anderson County Health Department has received the “Breastfeeding Friendly Local Health Department” from the Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition.   

Local health departments are critical in supporting breastfeeding families in their community. With support from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, this critical designation was created by the Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition and Wichita State University’s Community Engagement Institute to recognize and celebrate local health departments committed to supporting breastfeeding families.   

Over 90% of new parents in Kansas start breastfeeding after giving birth, but only half are still breastfeeding six months later. The Anderson County Health Department is working to improve breastfeeding rates in their community by achieving the seven criteria for the Breastfeeding Friendly Local Health Department. The requirements address community engagement, staff education, referral systems, and client education and support.  Additional investments are made to ensure families receive culturally competent lactation care and integration of diversity and equity through representative 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.

If you want more information about this topic or to schedule an interview with Brenda Bandy, call (785) 477-4666 or email bbandy@ksbreastfeeding.org.

Pictured left to right: Mika Mader, Brittany Frishman, and Cassie Morrison