Breastfeeding is not only a fundamental aspect of early childhood development but also a key indicator of a supportive and healthy community. In Durham, North Carolina, the conversation about breastfeeding support and healthcare access has gained momentum. We reached out to mayoral candidate Senator Mike Woodard to better understand his perspective on these critical issues. Here, we delve into his comprehensive responses and his vision for a more breastfeeding-friendly Durham.
Summary of Senator Mike Woodard’s Responses:
Supplemental Funding for Durham’s WIC Office
- In our inquiry, we asked Sen. Woodard about the lack of supplemental funding for Durham’s WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) office, a challenge that impacts staff retention and service provision. Sen. Woodard acknowledged this concern and expressed his commitment to address it through advocacy and collaboration with city and county officials. While the City may not have a direct role in changing this policy, his willingness to bring the issue to joint City-County meetings highlights his dedication to the cause.
Pursuing Breastfeeding-Friendly Designations
- Duke Regional Hospital recently received the Baby-Friendly designation after five years of advocacy. We asked Sen. Woodard if he would support ongoing efforts to secure this designation for other healthcare providers in Durham. He assured us of his commitment to advocacy in this regard, citing his role as chair of Durham’s legislative delegation and his plans to raise the issue with key figures in the healthcare community.
Eliminating Racial and Economic Disparities in Healthcare
- Addressing racial and economic disparities in healthcare access is a pressing concern. Sen. Woodard expressed his desire to meet with Breastfeed Durham to better understand these disparities and collaborate on solutions. He emphasizes a proactive approach to address disparities within the City’s purview while also advocating for changes at the county and state levels.
Collaborating with Businesses and Institutions
- To extend breastfeeding-friendly policies and practices, Sen. Woodard plans to engage with businesses and institutions in Durham. He acknowledges the Mayor’s role in interacting with local businesses and is keen on using these opportunities to discuss and promote breastfeeding support.
Equitable Access for Non-English-Speaking Communities
- In the wake of linguistic barriers revealed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Sen. Woodard is committed to ensuring equitable access to healthcare and lactation support for non-English-speaking communities. This commitment underscores the importance of linguistic inclusivity in healthcare services.
Funding for Community-Based Support Programs
- Sen. Woodard commits to maintaining or increasing funding for community-based breastfeeding support programs like Breastfeed Durham, recognizing their vital role in improving breastfeeding rates and support in the community.
Improving Lactation Policies in Public Services
- Partnering with community organizations like Breastfeed Durham, Sen. Woodard seeks to enhance lactation policies within Durham County’s public services. He emphasizes his willingness to advocate for greater access, services, and funding through various avenues.
Creating Breastfeeding-Friendly Public Spaces
- Lastly, Sen. Woodard aims to create additional public spaces in Durham where breastfeeding is supported and normalized. This proactive approach aligns with the goal of making breastfeeding more accessible and equitable within the community.
Mike Woodard’s vision for a more breastfeeding-friendly Durham is marked by his commitment to advocacy, collaboration, and proactive engagement with stakeholders. His responses reflect a deep understanding of the challenges faced by breastfeeding families and a genuine dedication to making Durham a healthier and more supportive community for all. As we continue to follow the mayoral campaign, we look forward to witnessing the positive changes he can bring to Durham in the realm of breastfeeding support and healthcare access.
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.