As a result of strong leadership and support from within the California Department of Health Services (CDHS), California is participating in a unique and comprehensive effort to increase breastfeeding incidence and duration rates -- within existing resources. CDHS began its initiative in 1994 by convening an advisory committee to provide recommendations and strategies for increasing breastfeeding rates. After reviewing these recommendations (“Breastfeeding: Investing in California’s Future,”) the CDHS Director requested that all programs determine what they could do to enhance support for breastfeeding. The resultant CDHS Strategic Plan for Breastfeeding Promotion 1997 – 1999 included over 50 objectives from a variety of Divisions, including, Medi-Cal Policy, Medi-Cal Managed Care, Licensing and Certification, and Primary Care and Family Health. Given that California's Medicaid program (Medi-Cal), public health, and primary care and family health programs are all located in CDHS, coordination and planning of activities was enhanced. During implementation, the CDHS obtained input from the advisory committee on new breastfeeding policies/practices and educational materials. This process, which can be replicated in other states, allowed CDHS to obtain input from a wide array of experts and allowed community leaders to participate in shaping public policy. CDHS recently finalized its Strategic Plan for Breastfeeding Promotion 2000 – 2002. This presentation will: (1) review the steps taken to unite CDHS toward a common goal, (2) highlight accomplishments to date; and, (3) review plans for the future.
Learning Objectives: Learning Objectives: 1. Participants will be able to identify steps involved in developing a Strategic Plan for Breastfeeding Promotion among a variety of programs. 2. Participants will be able to cite at least two activities they can implement within existing resources to promote breastfeeding.
Keywords: Breastfeeding, Medicaid Managed Care
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: California Department of Health Services
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.