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Hays, Kansas — HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System is among the first hospitals in the nation to successfully complete the EMPower Training initiative, a skills-based competency training to advance knowledge and skills in evidence-based maternity practices supportive of optimal infant nutrition.

Funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the EMPower Training initiative is committed to safe implementation of maternity care practices to support optimal infant nutrition, including breastfeeding, toward the ultimate goal of improving the public’s health.

“As the new manager of the Women’s and Infant Care Center I have been inspired by the commitment of the OB/NICU associates and staff. HaysMed is very fortunate to have a team of nurses who are dedicated to improving and adapting to evidence based practices.” Said Michelle Toogood, BSN, RN, Supervisor of Women’s services/NICU.

“We are thankful to have had the opportunity to participate in the Empower program, led here by Jill Rozean, RN, IBCLC Lactation Services and Jessica Seib, RN, IBCLC, Staff Educator, and continue to strive to provide the best care possible for the families we have the privilege of caring for.”

As part of this effort, HaysMed committed to training staff in accordance with the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) guidance outlined in the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding. With the help of the EMPower Training initiative, HaysMed is now equipped with skills needed to help support mothers in the safe implementation of optimal infant nutrition.

The EMPower Team is led by Abt Associates, Carolina Global Breastfeeding Institute, and the Center for Public Health Quality.