Olmsted County Public Health receives breastfeeding friendly award

  • News
  • Sep 30, 2020

Olmsted County Public Health Services (OCPHS) was recognized as a Breastfeeding Friendly Health Department by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) for its commitment to supporting breastfeeding mothers. OCPHS received the silver level certificate award which is effective for five years, until July 2025.

OCPHS demonstrated its commitment by:

  • Establishing a process for developing, reviewing and modifying policies, procedures and protocols related to breastfeeding practice and environments.
  • Having a written breastfeeding policy that addresses the Breastfeeding Friendly Health Department Steps to meet the Silver level designation.
  • Coordinating breastfeeding support and promotion with other programs in the health department, private and public health care systems, and community organizations to establish breastfeeding as the “norm” in the community.
  • Educating the community on breastfeeding.
  • Encouraging racially and ethnically diverse resources within the community.
  • Working with partners and encouraging local public places to provide a breastfeeding friendly environment for families.
  • Selecting businesses each year to provide workplace lactation support training.

“We are honored to be designated a Breastfeeding Friendly Health Department. This collaborative effort involved many staff from OCPHS and the county who are dedicated to providing the healthiest start for our newest residents, and that includes breastfeeding,” said Director of OCPHS Graham Briggs.

MDH’s Breastfeeding Friendly Recognition Program is supported by the state Women, Infants and Children program (WIC) and the Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP).

More information about the Breastfeeding Friendly Recognition Program is available on the MDH website.  

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