Oakland County Women, Infants and Children is one of two local Michigan agencies to receive recognition from the federal government. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has awarded Oakland County WIC the 2026 Gold Breastfeeding Award of Excellence in recognition of the county’s strong breastfeeding education, support, resources and community partnerships.
“I am so proud of our WIC program for earning this national recognition. Our certified lactation consultants and peer counselors walk side by side with new parents during their breastfeeding journeys, offering key support and education,” said Kate Guzmán, Oakland County’s health officer. “The Health Division supports all families by offering the Baby Cafe (breastfeeding support group), breastfeeding classes, our annual Bridging the Breastfeeding Gap event and more.”
Bridging the Breastfeeding Gap brings together providers, community members and families to create equitable breastfeeding support during National Breastfeeding Month. It is free and takes place on Monday, Aug. 17, from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at the Oakland County Executive Office Building Conference Center, 2100 Pontiac Lake Rd., in Waterford Township.
Highlights include:
• Keynote speaker Nekisha Killings, MPH, IBCLC, discussing BreastSide Manner for lactation professionals
• A parent panel
• Twenty-two vendors from maternal infant health agencies available to connect with families and share informational resources
• Raffles and giveaways
• Lunch
• Free continuing education credits for nurses, community health workers, lactation consultants and doulas are available.
Register for the event at bit.ly/BBG2026. Health professionals and the public are welcome. It is made possible by grant funding from the Southeast Michigan Perinatal Quality Improvement Coalition.
“I am so proud of our WIC program for earning this national recognition. Our certified lactation consultants and peer counselors walk side by side with new parents during their breastfeeding journeys, offering key support and education,” said Kate Guzmán, Oakland County’s health officer. “The Health Division supports all families by offering the Baby Cafe (breastfeeding support group), breastfeeding classes, our annual Bridging the Breastfeeding Gap event and more.”
Bridging the Breastfeeding Gap brings together providers, community members and families to create equitable breastfeeding support during National Breastfeeding Month. It is free and takes place on Monday, Aug. 17, from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at the Oakland County Executive Office Building Conference Center, 2100 Pontiac Lake Rd., in Waterford Township.
Highlights include:
• Keynote speaker Nekisha Killings, MPH, IBCLC, discussing BreastSide Manner for lactation professionals
• A parent panel
• Twenty-two vendors from maternal infant health agencies available to connect with families and share informational resources
• Raffles and giveaways
• Lunch
• Free continuing education credits for nurses, community health workers, lactation consultants and doulas are available.
Register for the event at bit.ly/BBG2026. Health professionals and the public are welcome. It is made possible by grant funding from the Southeast Michigan Perinatal Quality Improvement Coalition.
