Olmsted County Public Health Services’ WIC program receives national recognition for breastfeeding support efforts

The Olmsted County Public Health Services’ Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program is proud to announce it has received the 2025 USDA WIC Breastfeeding Award of Excellence at the Premier level, a national recognition for outstanding efforts in promoting and supporting breastfeeding. 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) established the Breastfeeding Award of Excellence program to acknowledge local WIC agencies with commendable breastfeeding promotion and support activities. The award includes three levels of recognition: Gold, Premier, and Elite.  

Olmsted County is one of only 56 agencies nationwide, 16 in the Midwest region, and three in Minnesota to receive the Premier award in 2025. WIC agencies are eligible to apply for the Breastfeeding Award of Excellence every four years. This marks the second time Olmsted County WIC has received the award at the Premier level. 

Olmsted County earned the Premier-level award by not only maintaining a strong peer counseling program but also achieving significant improvements in breastfeeding outcomes.  

The Olmsted County WIC program offers one-on-one breastfeeding support during pregnancy and after birth. All staff are trained in the USDA’s Breastfeeding Support Curriculum, with several certified as lactation counselors or consultants. 

The program also includes a 24/7 Peer Counselor Program. Peer counselors are trained WIC participants with personal breastfeeding experience who provide support outside of clinic hours and refer families to experts when needed. WIC further promotes breastfeeding in the community through initiatives like the Bridge Bag donor milk program and the annual World Breastfeeding Week Celebration. 

Additionally, in 2023, 23% of Olmsted County WIC infants were fully breastfed, up from 17.4% in 2022 and 15.4% in 2021. 

“This award is a reflection of the dedication and passion of our WIC team who provide invaluable support to new parents on their breastfeeding journeys,” said Olmsted County WIC Services Supervisor and breastfeeding peer counselor coordinator Sue Santosuosso. “We are honored to be recognized on a national level for our commitment to maternal and infant health.” 

“Breastfeeding is one of the most important investments we can make in the health of our community,” said Olmsted County WIC Manager Wendy O’Leary. “This award celebrates the strong partnerships we’ve built with families, community organizations, and health care providers to ensure parents have the resources, encouragement, and support they need to reach their breastfeeding goals.” 

Pregnant or breastfeeding women can call the WIC office to see if they are eligible for the WIC Program at 507-328-7555. All WIC participants who enroll in the peer program will receive a counselor. 

The USDA established the Breastfeeding Award of Excellence program to acknowledge local WIC agencies with commendable breastfeeding promotion and support activities. The award provides models and motivates other local agencies to strengthen their programs.