As we delve into the upcoming mayoral election in Durham, North Carolina, we have the privilege of speaking with Charlitta Burruss, a candidate whose personal experiences and commitment to supporting mothers and families have shaped her vision for the city. Burruss, a mother who once relied on Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) assistance as a single mom, understands the importance of accessible and adequate support for mothers and infants. Breastfeed Durham recently had the opportunity to ask her about her views on breastfeeding-friendly policies, maternal support, and reducing racial and economic disparities in access to healthcare and lactation support in Durham. Here are the highlights of our conversation.
Highlights of Charlitta Burruss’ Responses:
Securing Adequate Funding for WIC Office Staffing and Services
- Burruss emphasizes the significance of maintaining proper funding for Durham’s WIC office. Having relied on WIC herself, she understands how vital it is for families in need. Burruss believes that competitive salaries for WIC staff are essential, ensuring that they can live and thrive in the city they serve.
Supporting Breastfeeding-Friendly Designations in Healthcare
- While Burruss supports Breastfeed Durham’s advocacy for breastfeeding-friendly designations in healthcare, she underscores the importance of educating the community and elected officials on the matter. She acknowledges that change takes time and collaboration between professionals, the community, and city council members.
Eliminating Racial and Economic Disparities in Healthcare
- Burruss confronts the persistence of racism and economic disparities head-on, emphasizing the necessity of open and honest conversations. As a Black woman, she understands the struggles and discrimination that marginalized communities face. She commits to addressing these issues by actively engaging with the community and advocating for change.
Collaborating with Businesses and Institutions
- Burruss believes that communication and education are the keys to breaking down barriers related to breastfeeding. She aims to destigmatize breastfeeding by fostering understanding and acceptance within the community.
Addressing Linguistic Barriers
- Burruss acknowledges the linguistic barriers faced by non-English-speaking communities, particularly in the context of healthcare. She proposes hiring more interpreters to bridge the gap and create a welcoming and supportive environment for all.
Commitment to Funding for Community-Based Support Programs
- While Burruss personally commits to supporting Breastfeed Durham and its initiatives, she acknowledges that funding commitments rest with the city council. She emphasizes the importance of community support to ensure these programs thrive.
Improving Lactation Policies in Public Services
- Burruss calls for a registry to connect community organizations, like Breastfeed Durham, with government agencies. She envisions improved communication and collaboration to create more effective policies that benefit the community.
Creating Breastfeeding-Friendly Public Spaces
- Burruss proposes researching and inspecting public spaces to determine what is needed to make them breastfeeding-friendly. She is committed to exploring additional funding sources to support these efforts and bring Breastfeeding Durham into the spotlight.
Charlitta Burruss’s commitment to addressing the needs of families in Durham is evident in her responses. As we approach the mayoral election in October 2023, it is crucial to consider the candidates’ dedication to creating a supportive and inclusive community.
This blog article was written by the Breastfeed Durham Team, who is dedicated to promoting breastfeeding, cheastfeeding, and human milk feeding support and healthcare equity in Durham and beyond. Stay tuned for more updates on this important issue.