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Health Equity Advocacy & Lactation (HEAL) at a Glance
DEGREES OFFERED
Health Equity Advocacy & Lactation (HEAL) Certification
RELATED PROGRAMS
COLLEGE
Certified H.E.A.L. Professional Program
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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:
- To train emerging healthcare professionals and providers on breastfeeding disparities
and ensure they provide culturally tailored support for breastfeeding; - To identify community members who reflect the cultural values of breastfeeding
mothers and train them to be certified health equity lactation professionals; and; - To implement strategies designed to increase breastfeeding rates that address systemic racism and inequitable access to resources and support.
Elevate your future with a HEAL certification at Dillard University, Louisiana’s oldest HBCU, and start your a journey of discovery and innovation.
Program Facts
3 Week Training Program
HEAL’s 51-hour immersive training program at Dillard University is an intensive training that will meet Mon-Thurs, June 3rd -21st, 2024.HEAL’s 51-hour immersive training program at Dillard University is an intensive training that will meet Mon-Thurs, June 3rd -21st, 2024.
Founding Cohort Launching Summer 2024
HEAL is excited to announce the launch of our exclusive Founding Cohort in Summer 2024!
Emerging & Current Healthcare Professionals
Students in nursing, medicine, or public health specialties and practicing healthcare professionals supporting lactating parents may apply.
HEAL at Dillard University
HEAL is a product of Dillard University’s Minority Health and Health Equity Research Center (MHHERC).
Program Components
The Dillard University Certificate of Health Equity Advocacy in Lactation™ Professional Program is a one-of-a-kind, first-of-its-kind education experience crafted to equip each student with a comprehensive knowledge base to support, advocate for, and care for Black families in their ultimate medical or health career.
Curriculum competency areas include:
- Development and Nutrition
- Physiology & Endocrinology
- Pathology
- Pharmacology & Toxicology
- Psychology, Sociology, and Anthropology
- Techniques
- Clinical Skills