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Harvey County proclaims itself a "Community Supporting Breastfeeding Plus"; coalition cites community partnerships and outreach
Summary
The county commission unanimously approved a proclamation recognizing Harvey County as a "community supporting breastfeeding plus," citing local hospital, employers and coalition efforts and announcing upcoming outreach projects including a community baby shower and a planned public lactation bench.
Lynette Reddington of the Harvey County Health Department and Mallory Kaufman, chair of the Harvey County Breastfeeding Coalition, asked the commission on Sept. 2 to approve a proclamation recognizing Harvey County as a "Community Supporting Breastfeeding Plus." Kaufman said the designation, awarded July 31, 2025, makes Harvey County the third community in Kansas to receive the "plus" recognition and builds on a 2018 community-level designation.
Kaufman said the designation reflects work across hospitals, employers, child-care providers, businesses and volunteers. She cited local achievements the proclamation lists: NMC Health's recognition as a High 5 for Mom & Baby premier hospital; 50 public establishments participating in a "breastfeeding welcome here" program; 17 employers receiving a breastfeeding employer support award; and Angel Wings Learning Center earning a breastfeeding-friendly child-care designation.
Kaufman also announced two upcoming initiatives: a fall safe-sleep community baby shower open to all county families (Sept. 13) and a Network Kansas grant to build a public lactation bench in Halstead. Commissioners moved to approve the proclamation and voted in favor by voice vote; minor wording was adjusted in the document before signatures.
Ending: The proclamation becomes part of the public record; coalition leaders said they will continue outreach and follow-up projects to promote breastfeeding support across the county.
