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MDHHS releases RFP grant opportunity to support breastfeeding initiatives

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 26, 2016

LANSING, Mich. ­­­– Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is issuing a request for proposals (RFP) for one-time project funds of $10,000 to Michigan birthing hospitals. Hospitals that have not achieved Baby-Friendly® status are encouraged to apply to support their breastfeeding promotion efforts.  

MDHHS is working with partners in the public health community to reduce the infant mortality rate in the state through the 2016-2019 Infant Mortality Reduction Plan. Developed together with a group of experts and community stakeholders, the plan includes breastfeeding promotion strategies designed to increase breastfeeding initiation and duration, and to help reduce breastfeeding disparities.

Funds from this grant opportunity are intended to support birthing hospitals in developing or continuing breastfeeding initiatives that will move them toward the path to becoming Baby-Friendly® designated institutions. Through these grants, awardees will help to:

  • Increase the percentage of infants who are ever breastfed.
  • Improve the percentage rate of infants who are breastfed exclusively through six months.
  • Reduce disparities in breastfeeding rates among African Americans and Native Americans.
  • Increase the number of Baby-Friendly® hospitals in Michigan.


In Michigan, 12 birthing hospitals have already achieved the Baby Friendly® USA designation.  Baby Friendly designation is a distinguished title indicating the facility’s entire operation is supportive of breastfeeding moms and babies. Baby Friendly® USA Hospitals can be found in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Greenville, Grosse Pointe, Jackson, Lansing, Novi, Pontiac, Saginaw, Southfield, Warren and West Bloomfield. For a complete list of facilities, visit www.babyfriendlyusa.org/find-facilities.

Eligible applicants must be hospitals that have not yet achieved Baby-Friendly® designation from Baby-Friendly® USA, the accrediting body for the Baby-Friendly Hospital® Initiative in the United States. Up to four $10,000 awards will be made for the period from Jan. 1, 2017, through Sept. 30, 2017.

Applications must be submitted electronically through the MI E-Grants program. For information or to apply, visit the MI E-Grants website and click the "About EGraMS" link on the left panel to access the "Competitive Application Instructions" training manual.

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