and

Shawna Helmuth, RN, IBCLC
Co-Chairperson
And
Lactation Services Coordinator
Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System
831-757-2333 x2852
shelmuth@svmh.com

Monterey County Health Department: Perinatal Services, WIC, Outreach and Education, Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula, Natividad Medical Center, Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare Systems, Mee Memorial Hospital, Visiting Nurses Association, Central Coast Alliance for Health, Salinas Adult School, Dentistry for Children and Teenagers, Nursing Mothers Council of Salinas, Monterey Peninsula Pediatric Group, Seaside Family Health Center, Acacia Family Medical Group, Alan Rosen, MD, Ruth Gingerich, CPNP, Sumana Reddy, MD, and John Torontow, MD.

• Established in December 1999
• Meets every other month
• Vision: "That breastfeeding will be the norm in Monterey County for at least the first year of life and preferably longer."
• Mission: "To improve infant, maternal, and family health through the promotion, support, and protection of breastfeeding in Monterey County."
• Goal: "Is to provide a consistent and coordinated message to achieve the following strategies:"
  1. strengthen individual breastfeeding knowledge and breastfeeding skills
  2. increase community awareness of health, economic and environmental benefits of breastfeeding
  3. provide breastfeeding education to healthcare professionals
  4. foster new and continuing members of the Breastfeeding Promotion Committee
  5. improve institutional practices towards breastfeeding promotion and support
  6. influence breastfeeding policy and legislation

Planned Activities for FY 2000-2001:

• Continue to distribute breastfeeding resource guide for moms.
• Create social marketing campaign.
• Conduct photo contest of positive breastfeeding images.
• Generate press releases.
• Develop and distribute breastfeeding bulletin to Monterey County Health care providers.
• Organize and sponsor CME conferences and workshops.
• County to develop worksite policy on breastfeeding and implement the policy.
• Promote Baby-Friendly hospital initiative.
• Pass County Board resolution proclaiming August as Breastfeeding Awareness Month in Monterey County.