Each new year gives us an opportunity to reflect on the previous year and strategically plan changes that will better us and our work moving forward. 2022 was a wild year for our initiative, we continued to navigate our work around COVID-19, we experienced changes in leadership and management all while applying for renewed funding.
Through it all, Durham County’s Improving Community Outcomes for Maternal and Child Health initiative was successfully refunded in June 2022. We welcomed Shakeya Brevard as our program coordinator and Dennis Hamlet as our program manager. With new leadership came new ideas and partnerships.
One of my favorite moments of 2022, would be the programs hosted during National Breastfeeding Week. I tapped into my creative side making educational events something people of all ages could attend and learn from. Seeing the children of our community spin the breastfeeding education wheel and win prizes was something that made my heart smile. Setting up a table display at the health department allowed me to speak directly with expecting and new moms and presented the opportunity to introduce them to the Mamava Pod. Successful breastfeeding requires the support of a village. Being able to provide education to the support team makes a difference also.
I would be remised if I didn’t congratulate our Public Health Nurse Specialist, Kathleen Gloria* on passing the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners test in June 2022. Prior to completing her exam Kathleen completed 95 hours of lactation education and over 1000 hours of lactation care to our patients and the Durham County community.
I’m looking forward to continuing our work in 2023. I’m most excited to pass the Certified Lactation Counselor exam and begin offering support classes for our community. I look forward developing relationships with families, stakeholders, and community organizations. Our work is just beginning.
Cheers to 2023!
*Kathleen resigned her position in June of 2023