CGBI: Breastfeeding Exclusive January 2018- EMPower Breastfeeding Initiative Update
Hospital teams in the EMPower Initiative have been steadily progressing forward on their pathway to improving maternity care practices and breastfeeding rates through Baby-Friendly USA designation. We are excited to share that 22 EMPower facilities have been designated to date, and at least another 40 are either awaiting their scheduled final assessment visit from Baby-Friendly USA, or have had their final site visit and are awaiting results. The remainder of EMPower facilities are in the final phase of the Baby-Friendly Pathway. Congratulations to all the hospital teams on this incredible progress!
Thanks to the extended period of performance granted last September, EMPower facilities will continue to receive expert breastfeeding and quality improvement technical assistance through the month of March, 2018. We are honored to be a part of each of these hospital teams’ journeys.
EMPower Training Update
The EMPower Training Initiative is a new contract awarded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to Abt Associates. The initiative is aimed at increasing the safe implementation of several key front-line clinical practices included in the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding. The workplan has been finalized and the project will continue through August 31, 2019. Recruitment efforts are underway to engage and enroll up to 100 hospitals in this training effort.
Informational webinar dates for organizations and/or hospitals are being finalized now and will be announced very soon. The application is expected to become available in February/March, with online enrollment opening shortly thereafter and remaining open 4-6 weeks. We expect that hospital applicants will be notified of acceptance into EMPower Training on May 1st, 2018. Stay tuned to the EMPower Facebook Page for announcements regarding webinar dates, registration links, and application availability. We’re looking forward to this unique opportunity and appreciate your forthcoming support in sharing news of the recruitment activities.
