After years of dedicated advocacy, we are thrilled to share a major milestone for breastfeeding support in North Carolina! The NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), Division of Public Health has released a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the creation of a centralized, 24/7 statewide breastfeeding hotline and textline.
This is a huge win for our community—it means that every healthcare system in North Carolina will have a single, reliable hotline to refer families for lactation support. For years, parents across the state have struggled with limited access to professional breastfeeding guidance, especially during critical moments at home, late at night, or when facing misinformation. Now, this hotline will ensure that every parent, no matter where they live or their financial situation, can receive trusted, evidence-based lactation support when they need it most.
About the NC Breastfeeding Hotline
The hotline will be staffed by International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) and Certified Lactation Counselors, providing consistent breastfeeding support via phone calls and text messaging. Additionally, it will facilitate referrals to essential programs, including the WIC Program and the NC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program.
Key Details About the RFP
📅 Proposal Deadline: February 28, 2025
Contract Award Date: May 9, 2025
Contract Length: 2 base years + 3 optional years
📞 Estimated Call Volume: ~250 calls per month
📲 Estimated Text Volume: ~3,000 messages per month
📜 Contract Type: Indefinite Quantity Agency Specific Contract (Multiple awards possible)
🔗 Full RFP Details Here
Together, we can make breastfeeding support more accessible and transform perinatal health outcomes across the state!
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