Racial Equity

When a Health System Says “No” to Lactation Equity

Every year during Black Maternal Health Week, we are called to remember the mothers and babies we’ve lost—and to take action to protect the ones we still have. We live and work in Durham, North Carolina—the so-called “City of Medicine.” But despite our proximity to world-class medical institutions, Black families here face an alarming and […]

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Human Milk Feeding Strategic Plan: Your Input Matters

On February 28, during Breastfeed Durham’s annual Breastfeeding Symposium and Networking Event, Director Jenkins of the Durham County Department of Public Health officially signed the Human Milk Feeding Strategic Plan into action — marking a powerful milestone for lactation equity in our community. This 10-year plan lays out bold goals to improve support for families

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Shoutout to Our Partners at Equity Before Birth! 

We’re always excited to uplift the incredible work of Equity Before Birth, an organization dedicated to improving birth experiences and saving the lives of Black & Brown mamas and babies! Check out their upcoming events and opportunities: 🎉 Calling All Sponsors! Support Black Maternal Health Week 2025 by sponsoring Equity Before Birth’s Dance Party Fundraiser! Your contribution helps sustain their lifesaving

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Unveiling North Carolina’s Maternal and Infant Health Data Dashboard: A Tool for Equity and Insight

As parental health professionals, data enthusiasts, and advocates for health equity, we understand the power of accessible, well-organized data to drive informed decisions. North Carolina’s new Maternal and Infant Health Data Dashboard is a game-changer in this space, offering critical insights into maternal and infant health trends across the state. Whether you’re a healthcare provider, policymaker, or

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2024 March of Dimes Report Card

The latest March of Dimes report for 2024 highlights concerning trends for Durham, showing a rise in preterm birth rates, now at 10.9% with a grade of D, up from 10.4%. This slight increase signals that challenges remain, despite significant breastfeeding and maternal health initiatives in the area. View the full North Carolina report below. Possible Factors Contributing

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Child Well-Being in Durham County: 2024 Snapshot

NC Child’s county data cards & interactive data dashboard provide local snapshots of child well-being. The county data cards present the latest data for key indicators in five areas of children’s well-being: A Strong Start, Family Economic Security, Nurturing Homes and Communities, Health and Wellness, and High-Quality Education. View Durham’s 2024 County Card below to see

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Honoring Black Breastfeeding Week: Reclaiming Narratives and Supporting Breastfeeding Justice

As Black Breastfeeding Week approaches (August 25-31), this year’s theme, “Listen Up! Reclaiming Our Narrative & Centering Our Stories for Breastfeeding Justice,” calls us to reflect on and amplify the voices and experiences of Black breastfeeding families. Black Breastfeeding Week was established in 2014 by a dedicated group of Black leaders in the breastfeeding field:

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Shout Out to Kim Nguyen Featured in USBC Newsletter!

We are beyond thrilled to share some exciting news with you all! Our very own Kim Nguyen has been highlighted in the latest U.S. Breastfeeding Committee (USBC) newsletter! 🎉 Kim’s dedication and hard work have not gone unnoticed, and this recognition is a testament to the impact she’s making in our community and beyond. The

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Celebrating National Breastfeeding Month: A Focus on Indigenous and AANHPI Communities

August is National Breastfeeding Month, a time to celebrate the vital role breastfeeding plays in the health of infants and families. We are shining a spotlight on two significant observances in the upcoming weeks: Indigenous Milk Medicine Week and Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Breastfeeding Week. These observances not only highlight the

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Maternity and Migration: The Triangle Immigrant Solidarity Fund’s Impact on One Family’s Journey

Immigration is frequently a hot topic of conversation in the political sphere, particularly during pivotal election years. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported in 2023 that the number of forcibly displaced people was 110 million – the highest at any point since the end of World War II. In the face of such

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