Call for Nominations: Washington Breastfeeding Friendly Business and Community Awards

WASHINGTON, D.C. (PRWEB) December 2, 2005

The US Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health (OWH) and the DC Breastfeeding Coalition are seeking nominations for the Washington Breastfeeding Friendly Business and Community Awards. Award winners will be recognized at a special awards breakfast co-sponsored by Glamourmom, on January 12, 2006 at the National Museum for Women in the Arts.

Breastfeeding is the best way to feed infants during the first 6 months of life and to reduce infant mortality, childhood illness and obesity. Despite the benefits, Washington, D.C. has the second worst 6-months breastfeeding rates in the country. For many mothers, keeping a breastfeeding routine can be a challenge when out in public or returning to work after maternity leave. According to a national survey conducted this year, nearly half of women are uncomfortable with breastfeeding their baby in a park, store or mall.

The Washington Breastfeeding Friendly Business and Community Awards will recognize leading business and community advocates for their support of breastfeeding mothers. Awards will be given in three categories—Breastfeeding Friendly Business, Breastfeeding Friendly Employer ad Breastfeeding Community Advocate.

Breastfeeding Friendly Business Award

This award will be given to a retail business or public agency that welcomes breastfeeding mothers and/or makes it easy to nurse in their establishment. Businesses may include restaurants, libraries, malls, retail stores, health clubs, museums and other public facilities.

Breastfeeding Friendly Employer Award

This award will recognize an employer that actively supports breastfeeding employees by fostering an environment in the workplace or implementing leave time or other policies that support breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding Advocate Award

The Breastfeeding Advocate award will be given in recognition of an individual who, through their volunteer, educational, advocacy and/or professional efforts, have significantly contributed to the promotion of breastfeeding in the Washington area.

Nominations are due by 5:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 14. Winners will be selected by a respected panel of local health and business professionals. Additional information about the awards including nomination forms is available at www.dcbreastfeeds.org or by calling (202) 742-5933.

The awards program is an OWH sponsored event to complement its National Breastfeeding Awareness Campaign, which includes partnerships with local breastfeeding organizations and Ad Council-sponsored public service announcements designed to promote breastfeeding to first-time mothers.

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