Certified H.E.A.L. Professional Program

The purpose of Dillard University’s Certified H.E.A.L. Professional Program is to equip Health Professionals to become competent lactation specialists in Louisiana and the nation. The Health Equity Advocacy & Lactation (HEAL) Certified Professional Program fills the gap in breastfeeding support for Black women primarily created by historic and systemic inequities. This is the first lactation certification program with a health equity focus. It is also the first entry-level lactation certification open to broad specialties offered by a university.

HEAL has three overarching goals: 

1. To train emerging healthcare professionals and providers on breastfeeding disparities
   and ensure they provide culturally tailored support for breastfeeding;
2. To identify community members who reflect the cultural values of breastfeeding
   mothers and train them to be certified health equity lactation professionals; and;
3. To implement strategies designed to increase breastfeeding rates that address systemic racism and inequitable access to resources and support.