Healthy Savannah Receives Mini Grant to Support Breastfeeding Parents in Underserved Communities

(Savannah, GA) Dec. 1, 2025, Healthy Savannah has announced the receipt of a $2,480 mini-grant from La Leche League, dedicated to supporting breastfeeding parents in underserved communities throughout the region. This funding will enable Healthy Savannah to purchase at least 75 copies of the book, “The Art of Breastfeeding,” and distribute them to local public libraries and partner organizations serving pregnant and breastfeeding mothers throughout Savannah and Chatham County.

“We are excited to be a community partner with Healthy Savannah in this initiative that advances community health, equity and advocacy for breastfeeding,” said Lola DeWitt, executive director, Live Oak Public Libraries. “By making these books available free to the public, the La Leche League is helping to ensure that parents, especially those in underserved areas, have access to reliable, evidence-based information and support for breastfeeding.”

By providing The Art of Breastfeeding free of charge, Healthy Savannah aims to empower families with practical guidance and emotional encouragement as they embark on their breastfeeding journeys.

Of the 75 copies of the Art of Breastfeeding that the grant is funding, Healthy Savannah plans to donate 45 books to 15 Live Oak Public Libraries locations across the region, making this resource available to the community at no cost. The books should be available to library patrons by mid-December and will also be available through Live Oak Public Libraries’ eBook and audiobook service. The organization will distribute the remaining books to local organizations and at community events focused on supporting pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, ensuring wide-reaching access for those who need it most.

The Art of Breastfeeding is renowned for its accessible approach and comprehensive coverage of breastfeeding topics. Key messages and features of the book include:
• Nutritional Benefits: Detailed information about the health advantages of breastfeeding for both infants and mothers.
• Myth-Busting: Clarification of common misconceptions and myths surrounding breastfeeding, making it easier for parents to make informed choices.
• Emotional Support: Guidance on the emotional aspects of breastfeeding, helping parents navigate the challenges and celebrate successes.
• Returning to Work: Practical advice and strategies for mothers who wish to continue breastfeeding after returning to their jobs.
• Toolkit for Success: Step-by-step tools, resources, and troubleshooting tips to support mothers throughout their breastfeeding experience.

The initiative aligns with Healthy Savannah’s mission to promote health equity and well-being for all families.

“Thanks to the La Leche League and this grant, we believe this resource will make a significant, positive impact on the community,” said Elsie Smalls, Ph.D., Breastfeeding program manager. “By increasing access to trustworthy information and emotional support, Healthy Savannah hopes to improve breastfeeding rates, strengthen family health outcomes, and reduce disparities among underserved populations.”

Healthy Savannah will coordinate the purchase and distribution of the books, working closely with libraries, local organizations, and community event planners. The funds from the La Leche League grant will be administered in conjunction with funds from a five-year $5.1 million CDC Racial & Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) grant administered since 2023 by Healthy Savannah and the YMCA of Coastal Georgia. Healthy Savannah will also ensure that resources are accessible to families from diverse backgrounds and will provide supplementary support and education as needed.

For more information about this initiative or to learn how to access The Art of Breastfeeding, please contact Healthy Savannah at info@healthysavannah.org or visit www.healthysavannah.org.

ABOUT THE YMCA OF COASTAL GEORGIA / HEALTHY SAVANNAH REACH GRANT: In October 2025, Healthy Savannah announced continued funding of the CDC’s five-year, $3.8 million Racial & Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) grant, originally endowed in 2023. The funds, administered by Healthy Savannah and the YMCA of Coastal Georgia, support sustainable health equity for racial and ethnic minority populations in low-wealth neighborhoods, focusing on nutrition, physical activity and breastfeeding. Working with over 200 community partners, the Savannah/Chatham County team is advancing these goals through an “upstream” approach. Founded in 2007, Healthy Savannah was honored in 2022 with the CDC’s REACH Lark Galloway-Gilliam Award for Advancing Health Equity. healthysavannah.org | ymcaofcoastalga.org