The Dillard University Certified Health Equity Advocacy in Lactation™ (HEAL) Professional Program embarked on an inspiring journey this month, training their first cohort and marking a significant milestone in healthcare education and advocacy. With a steadfast commitment to promoting maternal well-being and addressing racial disparities in maternal health outcomes, HEAL is poised to equip a new generation of healthcare professionals to champion health equity with a focus on lactation support beyond the postpartum period.
The program’s inception resonates with the recognition of breastfeeding as a crucial element in enhancing maternal health outcomes, particularly among Black women. HEAL aims to bridge critical gaps in healthcare services and foster a culture of inclusivity and support by empowering students with the knowledge and skills needed to support women on their breastfeeding journey.
Director of Minority Health & Health Equity Research, Dr. Michelle R. Smith ’98, said, “Today, we celebrate a milestone that aligns with our mission and exemplifies our commitment to addressing critical health disparities. The H.E.A.L. program embodies the essence of Dillard’s mission by creating competent and compassionate lactation advocates dedicated to tackling the infant mortality crisis within the black community in Louisiana and across the nation; our graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills to advocate for health equity, ensuring that every mother and infant receives the highest standards of care regardless of their background. This inaugural year has been made possible through the general support of the Steve and Marjorie Harvey Foundation and the Southern University Law Center.”
An important facet of the HEAL program is the emphasis on addressing preventable mortality and morbidity related to hypertension, while striving to diminish racial disparities in maternal health outcomes. Through strategic partnerships with organizations like Aflac and the Southern University Law Center, students have been equipped with essential tools such as blood pressure machines to educate pregnant women on monitoring their blood pressure at home. This proactive approach not only empowers women to take charge of their health but also ensures better outcomes for both mothers and their babies, instilling hope for a brighter future in maternal health.
The clinical learning component of the program has been instrumental in shaping students’ perspectives and honing their skills as healthcare advocates. A recent clinical rotation exposed students to diverse settings, including visits to the Louisiana Milk Bank, support groups hosted by Café au Lait and Baby Bistro, and shadowing breastfeeding counselors at Touro Medical Center. These immersive experiences have provided students with invaluable insights into real-world challenges mothers face and the effective strategies healthcare professionals employ to provide support and guidance.
These newly minted Certified Lactation Advocates from Dillard University emerged as torchbearers of health equity, poised to make a tangible impact in their communities and beyond. The program’s innovative approach, focusing on health equity and lactation support, sets a new standard in healthcare education and advocacy, paving the way for a more inclusive and compassionate healthcare system.
Guest speaker Dr. Tyra Gross advised the graduates, “with this program, you can teach communities and families how to push through hard things. Each person’s situation is going to be different, and you’re going to have to have the skill set of flexibility, creativity, and strategy to know how you can help this person kind of adjust expectations. Let this inspire you to think of your next chapter. You matter. You’re worthy. And I just congratulate you on this, because this is just one, one notch in the belt. Let this inspire you to think of your next chapter.” Sen. Royce Duplessis, Louisiana State Senator for District 5, provided closing remarks and spoke about SB 300, a new bill he sponsored that will expand healthcare coverage for mothers during pregnancy and postpartum.
Congratulations to the Dillard University HEAL Professional Program and its trailblazing students on their dedication, resilience, and commitment to promoting health equity and fostering positive maternal health outcomes. Together, they embody the transformative power of education and advocacy in creating a healthier and more equitable future for all.
The world eagerly awaits the contributions of these remarkable Certified Lactation Advocates as they embark on their journey to empower and uplift the lives of women and families everywhere.
