With a goal of supporting breastfeeding families throughout Kansas, five local breastfeeding coalitions received funding totaling over $6,400 from the Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition (KBC) Capacity Grant Initiative.
The following local breastfeeding coalitions received funding from the KBC:
- African-American Breastfeeding Coalition of Wyandotte County
- Ford County Breastfeeding Coalition
- Kaw Area Breastfeeding Coalition
- Mitchell County Breastfeeding Coalition
- Wichita Area Breastfeeding Coalition
Breastfeeding provides immediate and lifelong nutrition and health benefits for mother and child, as well as larger economic, environmental and social benefits to families and communities. It is estimated suboptimal breastfeeding rates are costing Kansas $26 million each year in medical costs alone.
“Over 90% of families in Kansas choose to breastfeed,” said Stephanne Rupnicki, Chair of the KBC Board of Directors. “Breastfeeding is important to the health and wellbeing of both the mother and the child, and we are excited to work with these local coalitions to build communities where families can be supported in their decision to breastfeed.” If Kansas is to realize the long-term benefits of breastfeeding, communities need to work together. All grantees will work in coordination with health care systems, health care providers, public health professionals and community efforts.