The Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition (KBC), with support from the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund, has awarded $10,000 in educational scholarships to further lactation support in local communities. Despite over 90% of Kansas families choosing to breastfeed, rates are especially lower among communities of color. To address these disparities, the KBC is focusing on bridging racial and geographic gaps in breastfeeding support.

Scholarships are being granted to aspiring lactation providers in Wichita, Dodge City, Kansas City Metro, Iola, Lawrence, Salina, Burlington, and Onaga. Recipients have shown dedication through their written visions for enhancing lactation support in diverse communities.

The KBC will continue to support these scholarship recipients in achieving their goals and remains committed to enhancing breastfeeding equity across Kansas.

“Breastfeeding is important for the health and well-being of both the parent and the child. We are excited to work with these individuals to build a diverse lactation support workforce so families in Kansas can receive culturally congruent care,” said Stephanne Rupnicki, Chair-Elect of the KBC Board of Directors and Co-Founder of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation Breastfeeding Coalition.