DCH Selected For Three-Year CHAMPS Program

TUSCALOOSA, AL — DCH Health System says DCH Regional Medical Center in Tuscaloosa and Northport Medical Center have been selected as two among 100 hospitals by Communities and Hospitals Advancing Maternity Practices (CHAMPS) to participate in a three-year program designed to reduce racial disparities in breastfeeding rates and maternal-child health practices.

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DCH says this will be part of a collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), with CHAMPS activating a team of interdisciplinary experts to increase safe, equitable hospital practices consistent with the World Health Organization’s “10 Steps to Successful Breastfeeding” guidelines.

“We are excited to be a part of the CHAMPS program,” DCH Director of Women's and Children's Services Lucinda Harden said. “The opportunity our staff has to provide education and support to new mothers and their babies is incomparable. We look forward to seeing the impact this has on our new moms and their babies.”

The hospital system says the intent of the WHO’s 10-step program is to protect, promote and support breastfeeding in facilities providing maternity and newborn services.

DCH said the first two steps address management procedures while the remaining eight focus on standards of clinical care for moms and babies.

The program also provides support through one-on-one coaching, free training for staff and partners, and on-site visits.

DCH then said representatives from CHAMPS will be on both campuses on Tuesday, June 4, to meet and begin training with staff.

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