Breastfeeding Exclusive September 2017 - EMPower Breastfeeding Initiative Update
Hospitals in the EMPower Initiative have been working diligently this summer to achieve their shared goal of fully implementing the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding and achieving Baby-Friendly designation. Currently, there are 13 EMPower facilities that have already reached the goal of designation. Recent designees include Spartanburg Medical Center in Spartanburg, SC and North Baldwin Infirmary in Bay Minette, Alabama. Congratulations!
The remainder of the facilities are in the final stages of the Baby-Friendly designation process. The original project was expected to end in September of 2017, however, the initiative has been granted an extension by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to continue working with facilities that remain on the 4D Pathway with Baby-Friendly USA.
The EMPower initiative is excited for this extended period of performance, which will be active through 2018. The extension grants facilities access to ongoing technical assistance as they continue to work toward Ten Steps implementation.
New Contract from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: EMPower Training Initiative
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has awarded a 2-year contract to Abt Associates. CGBI and Population Health Improvement Partners are subcontractors on this new project aimed at increasing the safe implementation of the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding through training. The project started September 1st, 2017 and will go through August 31st , 2019. The work plan is currently being finalized. Stay tuned for updates on hospital recruitment this winter.
