RISE: Lactation Training Model - Reclaiming, Improving, and Sustaining Equity
Assisting the Development of Pathway 2 Programs
RISE: Lactation Training Model is a grant-funded project providing higher education institutes with training tools to build a self-sustainable Pathway 2 program model.
Project Start: February 1, 2018 | End: January 30, 2021
The Project
The explicit problem that the RISE: Lactation Training Model aims to solve is the lack of lactation consultant training programs available in communities of color. Programs to train International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC) are limited in number and generally are housed in predominantly white institutions. Currently, no such accredited programs are available at historically black colleges and universities. Training is not easily accessible in communities of color, which has limited the number of professionally trained board-certified lactation consultants of color.
By supporting the development of self-sustaining lactation consultant training programs at universities and colleges serving communities of color, this project will improve the medical lactation workforce to reduce health disparities in these communities. We believe that by targeting the healthcare system infrastructure, we will improve the local medical lactation workforce to increase breastfeeding rates in communities of color.
Over a 3 year span we will be actively recruiting and working with 2 institutions in building infrastructure to implement their program. Simultaneously we will work with 2 programs per year on the accreditation process and course preparation- including preceptor instruction. As programs are established they will serve as mentors to new programs, sharing lessons learned and successes.
The Partners
Johnson C Smith University – Charlotte, NC
North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University – Greensboro, NC
Metropolitan State University of Denver – Colorado
Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science – Los Angeles, CA
FAQs
Will this grant provide scholarships or financial aid for students?
No, this project’s funding is strictly for the establishment of accredited Pathway 2 programs.
How do I apply for a Pathway 2 program?
Pathway 2 program applications will be accessible through individual academic institute websites (listed below*).
JCSU: www.jcsu.edu/academics/lactation-program
NCAT: www.ncat.edu/caes/departments/family-and-consumer-sciences/lactation-cert.php
*All programs are not up and running; links to institute websites will be added as they become available. For other Pathway 2 programs (not in the RISE project), you may go to the IBLCE website for a listing of current programs.
What does HBCU mean?
HBCU is an acronym for Historically Black Colleges and Universities. HBCUs are institutions of higher education established before 1964 and originally founded to educate African-American students.
How can my academic institute become a partner?
Academic institution representatives are invited to fill out the RISE: Lactation Training Model- Institute Interest Form.
Contact Us
Historically Black Colleges and Universities and/or community colleges predominantly serving communities of color interested in becoming an institutional partner are invited to fill out this survey.
News
June 2022: Addressing the Maternal Mortality Crisis Through Innovation and Collaboration for Equity
May 2022: NC’s Biggest HBCU Is Boosting Breastfeeding and Survival Rates for Black Babies
August 2021: Johnson C. Smith University and Novant Health partner to educate the community
June 2020: NC A&T Announces their Lactation Training Program
August 2019: New program at Johnson C Smith to help more mothers of color breastfeed is first in the country
April 2019: JCSU First HBCU to Offer Lactation Training Program
February 2018: Gillings School of Global Public Health press release
February 2018: NAPPLSC press release
