Grant Will Support Native American Breastfeeding Initiative in Michigan

September 21, 2020

Congratulations to Angie Sanchez, a Ph.D. student in the Department of Geography, Environment, and Spatial Sciences, on the award of “Native American Breastfeeding Initiative Embracing Culture,” a grant from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund ($338,406) 2020-2022. Angie and her advisor, Dr. Sue Grady, will conduct a needs assessment and implement breastfeeding programs in six Indigenous Tribal Communities in Michigan. Over 150 Indigenous community members will be trained and certified as Indigenous Breastfeeding Councilors to bring breastfeeding back as a ceremony to their communities. In addition, health care workers and other community members will be trained on how to best support breastfeeding in their communities. Breastfeeding as a traditional ceremony was lost as a result of colonialization and will, therefore, be brought back as a celebration of Indigenous Culture and Maternal, Infant, and Family Health. Most importantly, breastfeeding will help future generations of Indigenous children to thrive in Michigan and beyond. For more information, please contact Angie Sanchez at asanchez@msu.edu.

The Michigan Health Endowment Fund works to improve the health and wellness of Michigan residents and reduce the cost of healthcare, with a special focus on children and seniors. You can find more information about the Health Fund at mihealthfund.org.