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Michigan celebrates Black Breastfeeding Week with virtual event today at 11:30 a.m.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 25, 2021
Contact: Chelsea Wuth, 517-241-2112

LANSING, Mich. - As part of efforts to broaden the public's understanding of the critical impact breastfeeding has on improving the health of infants and mothers and reducing infant mortality rates, and in honor of Black Breastfeeding Week, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is co-hosting "Milk Magic: BOPIC Breastfeeding Panel" with Priority Health today at 11:30 a.m.

The "Milk Magic" panel will be held virtually today from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and can be joined by registering online.

Panelists are involved in breastfeeding and safe sleep focused projects supported by MDHHS with Title V Maternal Child Health Block Grant funding. Shannon Wilson, vice president of State Markets East at Priority Health, will serve as the panel's moderator. This panel is comprised of Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) community members across Michigan, including:

"There is a significant need for a targeted and accelerated Black-led and Black-centered approach to improve Black breastfeeding rates so that these rates begin to meet the national benchmarks set forth by Healthy People 2030," said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, MDHHS chief medical executive and chief deputy for health. "Events like Milk Magic assist us in continuing to improve outcomes for Black mothers and their families."

Black Breastfeeding Week is an annual national event, in its ninth year. This year's theme is "The Big Pause: Collective Rest for Collective Power." 

To learn more about Michigan's Breastfeeding Strategies and read the breastfeeding state plan please visit Michigan.gov/breastfeeding.
                                                                

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