OUR WORK
LATEST NEWS AND UPDATES
![](https://cheerequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/CHAMPS-National-conference-agenda-1.png)
CHAMPS National conference agenda is available!
View More![](https://cheerequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The-CHAMPS-National-Training-Curriculum-is-here.png)
Launching the CHAMPS National Training Curriculum
View More![](https://cheerequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/CHAMPS-National-virtual-conference-social-media-informational.png)
The CHAMPS National Virtual Breastfeeding Conference is on September 17!
View More![](https://cheerequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/CHAMPS-National-June-Cohort-FINAL-2.png)
CHAMPS National enrolls our final cohort
View More![](https://cheerequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Copy-of-OCH-Baby-Friendly-2.png)
CHAMPS hospital Baptist Memorial Hospital – North Mississippi re-designated as Baby-Friendly
View More![](https://cheerequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/OCH-Baby-Friendly-3.png)
OCH Regional Medical Center is Baby-Friendly
View More![](https://cheerequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/CHAMPS-National-April-Cohort-5.png)
CHAMPS National enrolls 10 sites in second to last cohort
View More![](https://cheerequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/CHAMPS-National-Cohort-4-Social-Media-Options-12.14.23-2.png)
22 new sites enrolled in CHAMPS National
View More![](https://cheerequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/OWH-Phase-3-Award.png)
CHAMPS wins final phase of the HHS Office on Women’s Health Reducing Disparities in Breastfeeding Innovation Challenge
View More![](https://cheerequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/3.png)
CHAMPS National enrolls 31 new sites
View More![](https://cheerequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/CHAMPS-National-Cohort-2-Social-Media-Options-12.14.23-3.png)
CHAMPS National enrolls second cohort of 15 hospitals
View More![](https://cheerequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/South-Sunflower-MH-River-Oaks-Re-Designated.png)
2 MS CHAMPS hospitals re-designated as Baby-Friendly
View More![](https://cheerequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/CHAMPS-National-Cohort-1-Social-Media-Options-12.14.23-2.png)
CHAMPS National enrolls first 10 hospitals!
View More![](https://cheerequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/CHAMPS-National-live-3.png)
CHAMPS National is LIVE
View More![](https://cheerequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Kellogg-The-Way-Forward.png)
New W.K. Kellogg Foundation grant paves the way forward for MS CHAMPS
View More![](https://cheerequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/CHAMPS-National-Informational-Webinar_Social-Media-5.png)
CHAMPS National informational webinar on October 24
View More![](https://cheerequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/MH-Central-BF-Designation-5.png)
Merit Health Central is designated as Baby-Friendly
View More![](https://cheerequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Wayne-General-BF-Designation-3.png)
Wayne General Hospital is Baby-Friendly
View More![](https://cheerequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/CHAMPS-National-Announcement-2.png)
CHEER receives $6,000,000 cooperative agreement from the CDC
View More![](https://cheerequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/CHEER-wins-OWH-Phase-2-Award-Small-Updated.png)
CHAMPS Wins the HHS Office on Women’s Health Reducing Disparities in Breastfeeding Innovation Challenge Phase 2 Award
View More![](https://cheerequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/NMMC-BF-Designation-1.png)
North Mississippi Medical Center-West Point is Baby-Friendly designated!
View More![](https://cheerequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/IBCLC-care-awards.jpg)
IBCLC Care Award 2023 applications are open!
View More![](https://cheerequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/CHEER-Publication.png)
Now published! Policies and practices in a cohort of Mississippi birthing hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic
View More![](https://cheerequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Kiran-Saluja-Lifetime-Award-7.png)
CHEER and Kiran Saluja to host March webinar
View More![](https://cheerequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Title-card.png)
The 2023 Lancet Series on Breastfeeding has launched
View More![](https://cheerequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Lifetime-Achievement_Kiran_12.9.22V2-1.png)
CHEER announces 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient
View More![](https://cheerequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/CFD-Grant-1.png)
CHEER receives inaugural funding from Center on Forced Displacement
View More![](https://cheerequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Breastfeeding-Grand-Rounds-5.png)
CHEER presents at Breastfeeding Grand Rounds 2022
View More![](https://cheerequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/UMMC-Re-Designation-1.png)
The University of Mississippi Medical Center is re-designated!
View More![](https://cheerequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Training_Edit_10.31.22.jpg)
CHEER moves forward with new Bower grant
View More![](https://cheerequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/St.-Dominic-BF-Designation-2.png)
Just in! St. Dominic is Baby-Friendly designated.
View More![](https://cheerequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Singing-River-BF-Designation-Final.png)
Singing River Pascagoula Hospital is Baby-Friendly!
View More![](https://cheerequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Magnolia-Regional-Health-Center-BF-Designation-4.png)
Magnolia Regional Health Center attains the Baby-Friendly designation.
View More![](https://cheerequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/South-Central-BF-Designation-FINAL.png)
Just in! South Central Regional Medical Center is Baby-Friendly designated.
View More![](https://cheerequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Infant-Formula-Statement_ABM.png)
CHEER’s Statement on the Infant Formula Shortage
View More![](https://cheerequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/RE-AIM-Paper-Announcement-.png)
RE-AIM Analysis Details the Broader Impact and Success of CHAMPS!
View More![](https://cheerequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Community-FGD-Paper-Announcement-.png)
New Qualitative Study in the Journal of Neonatal Nursing!
View More![](https://cheerequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/WHO-REPORT.jpg)
WHO & UNICEF Launch New Report on the Exploitative Marketing of Formula!
View More![](https://cheerequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/NBCC-2021-Post-conference_website.png)
CHEER Presents Two Breakouts at NBCC 2021!
View MoreLATEST NEWS
![](https://cheerequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/CHAMPS-National-conference-agenda-1.png)
CHAMPS National conference agenda is available!
View More![](https://cheerequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/The-CHAMPS-National-Training-Curriculum-is-here.png)
Launching the CHAMPS National Training Curriculum
View More![](https://cheerequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/CHAMPS-National-virtual-conference-social-media-informational.png)
The CHAMPS National Virtual Breastfeeding Conference is on September 17!
View More![](https://cheerequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/CHAMPS-National-June-Cohort-FINAL-2.png)
CHAMPS National enrolls our final cohort
View More![](https://cheerequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Copy-of-OCH-Baby-Friendly-2.png)
CHAMPS hospital Baptist Memorial Hospital – North Mississippi re-designated as Baby-Friendly
View More![](https://cheerequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/OCH-Baby-Friendly-3.png)
OCH Regional Medical Center is Baby-Friendly
View More![](https://cheerequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/CHAMPS-National-April-Cohort-5.png)
CHAMPS National enrolls 10 sites in second to last cohort
View More![](https://cheerequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/CHAMPS-National-Cohort-4-Social-Media-Options-12.14.23-2.png)
22 new sites enrolled in CHAMPS National
View More![](https://cheerequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/OWH-Phase-3-Award.png)
CHAMPS wins final phase of the HHS Office on Women’s Health Reducing Disparities in Breastfeeding Innovation Challenge
View More![](https://cheerequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/3.png)
CHAMPS National enrolls 31 new sites
View More![](https://cheerequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/CHAMPS-National-Cohort-2-Social-Media-Options-12.14.23-3.png)
CHAMPS National enrolls second cohort of 15 hospitals
View More![](https://cheerequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/South-Sunflower-MH-River-Oaks-Re-Designated.png)
2 MS CHAMPS hospitals re-designated as Baby-Friendly
View More![](https://cheerequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/CHAMPS-National-Cohort-1-Social-Media-Options-12.14.23-2.png)
CHAMPS National enrolls first 10 hospitals!
View More![](https://cheerequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/CHAMPS-National-live-3.png)
CHAMPS National is LIVE
View More![](https://cheerequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Kellogg-The-Way-Forward.png)
New W.K. Kellogg Foundation grant paves the way forward for MS CHAMPS
View More![](https://cheerequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/CHAMPS-National-Informational-Webinar_Social-Media-5.png)
CHAMPS National informational webinar on October 24
View More![](https://cheerequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/MH-Central-BF-Designation-5.png)
Merit Health Central is designated as Baby-Friendly
View More![](https://cheerequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Wayne-General-BF-Designation-3.png)
Wayne General Hospital is Baby-Friendly
View More![](https://cheerequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/CHAMPS-National-Announcement-2.png)
CHEER receives $6,000,000 cooperative agreement from the CDC
View More![](https://cheerequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/CHEER-wins-OWH-Phase-2-Award-Small-Updated.png)
CHAMPS Wins the HHS Office on Women’s Health Reducing Disparities in Breastfeeding Innovation Challenge Phase 2 Award
View More![](https://cheerequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/NMMC-BF-Designation-1.png)
North Mississippi Medical Center-West Point is Baby-Friendly designated!
View More![](https://cheerequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/IBCLC-care-awards.jpg)
IBCLC Care Award 2023 applications are open!
View More![](https://cheerequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/CHEER-Publication.png)
Now published! Policies and practices in a cohort of Mississippi birthing hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic
View More![](https://cheerequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Kiran-Saluja-Lifetime-Award-7.png)
CHEER and Kiran Saluja to host March webinar
View More![](https://cheerequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Title-card.png)
The 2023 Lancet Series on Breastfeeding has launched
View More![](https://cheerequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Lifetime-Achievement_Kiran_12.9.22V2-1.png)
CHEER announces 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient
View More![](https://cheerequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/CFD-Grant-1.png)
CHEER receives inaugural funding from Center on Forced Displacement
View More![](https://cheerequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Breastfeeding-Grand-Rounds-5.png)
CHEER presents at Breastfeeding Grand Rounds 2022
View More![](https://cheerequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/UMMC-Re-Designation-1.png)
The University of Mississippi Medical Center is re-designated!
View More![](https://cheerequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Training_Edit_10.31.22.jpg)
CHEER moves forward with new Bower grant
View More![](https://cheerequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/St.-Dominic-BF-Designation-2.png)
Just in! St. Dominic is Baby-Friendly designated.
View More![](https://cheerequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Singing-River-BF-Designation-Final.png)
Singing River Pascagoula Hospital is Baby-Friendly!
View More![](https://cheerequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Magnolia-Regional-Health-Center-BF-Designation-4.png)
Magnolia Regional Health Center attains the Baby-Friendly designation.
View More![](https://cheerequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/South-Central-BF-Designation-FINAL.png)
Just in! South Central Regional Medical Center is Baby-Friendly designated.
View More![](https://cheerequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Infant-Formula-Statement_ABM.png)
CHEER’s Statement on the Infant Formula Shortage
View More![](https://cheerequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/RE-AIM-Paper-Announcement-.png)
RE-AIM Analysis Details the Broader Impact and Success of CHAMPS!
View More![](https://cheerequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Community-FGD-Paper-Announcement-.png)
New Qualitative Study in the Journal of Neonatal Nursing!
View More![](https://cheerequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/WHO-REPORT.jpg)
WHO & UNICEF Launch New Report on the Exploitative Marketing of Formula!
View More![](https://cheerequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/NBCC-2021-Post-conference_website.png)
CHEER Presents Two Breakouts at NBCC 2021!
View MoreCHEER CHAMPION OF THE WEEK
VERONICA GILLISPIE-BELL, MD, MAS, FACOG
This week, we’re celebrating a CHAMPion and speaker at the upcoming CHAMPS National Virtual Conference. Dr. Veronica Gillispie-Bell is a Board-Certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist and Associate Professor for Ochsner Health in New Orleans, Louisiana. She is a leader in women’s health, serving as the Senior Site Lead and Section Head of Women’s Services at Ochsner Kenner and as the Director of Quality for Women’s Services across the Ochsner Health System.
Learn more below!
CHEER INTERNATIONAL GROUP IN GREECE (CHEERING)
![](https://cheerequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Lifetime-Achievement_Kiran_12.9.22.jpg)
CHEER LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD (2022)
CONGRATULATIONS
KIRAN SALUJA
CHEER presents the 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award to Kiran Saluja, MPH, RDN. Kiran serves as Executive Director of PHFE WIC (Special Supplementation Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children), a program of Heluna Health.
![](https://cheerequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Lori-pic-with-award.jpg)
CHEER LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD (2021)
CONGRATULATIONS
LORI FELDMAN-WINTER
CHEER is honored to present the 2021 Lifetime Achievement Award to Lori-Feldman-Winter, MD, MPH, FAAP, FABM. Lori is a pediatrician, specialist in adolescent medicine, and a pioneer in the field of breastfeeding medicine.
![](https://cheerequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/jy-with-plaque-3.jpeg)
CHEER LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD (2020)
CONGRATULATIONS
JEANNETTE M. YAZZIE
CHEER is honored to announce Jeannette M. Yazzie, EMBA, BSN, RN as our 2020 Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient. Originally from Lukachukai, AZ, Jeannette is the recently retired Nurse Consultant/Chief Nurse for the Indian Health Service (IHS) – Navajo Area and a member of the Navajo Tribe.
![](https://cheerequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/riccardo-photo-with-plaque.jpeg)
CHEER LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD (2019)
CONGRATULATIONS
DR. RICCARDO DAVANZO
The recipient of the CHEER 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award is Riccardo Davanzo, MD, PhD. He is a neonatologist from Trieste in Italy, who has performed outstanding service for breastfeeding throughout his long career. Dr. Davanzo is a well-published researcher, physician, teacher, and the Chair of the Task Force on Breastfeeding of the Italian Ministry of Health.
![](https://cheerequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/kimarie-bugg-headshot-2.png)
CHEER LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD (2018)
CONGRATULATIONS
DR. KIMARIE BUGG
CHEER is thrilled to announce the recipient of our 2018 Lifetime Achievement Award: Kimarie Bugg, DNP, RN, MPH, IBCLC, CLC, for her long-standing dedication to breastfeeding and maternal child health equity! Kimarie is the Co-Founder, President/CEO, and Change Leader for Reaching Our Sisters
![](https://cheerequity.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/haynespicture.jpeg)
CHEER LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD (2017)
CONGRATULATIONS
Suzanne Haynes, PhD
CHEER is delighted to announce the recipient of its 2017 Inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award: Suzanne Haynes, PhD, for her outstanding service to women and families! Suzanne retired from her position as Senior Science Advisor to the United States Department of Health and Human Services
TESTIMONIALS
“I have grown so much professionally and the way I support my moms on their breastfeeding journey. I just want you to know CHAMPS played a big part in that growth.”
BP, South Central Regional Medical Center, Mississippi
“…We could not have done this without the support of CHAMPS. You all are truly making a difference in the lives of children in our great state. We are so proud to be part of your team.”
KRG, Greenwood Leflore Hospital, Mississippi
“Thank you for this huge honor and for your guidance throughout our Baby-Friendly journey. Kirsten Krane helped guide our hospital every step of the way. Her love and passion for what she does is truly inspirational. She went above and beyond and put her heart and soul into Touro. What an amazing person. Thank you again CHAMPS for everything you have done for Touro.”
SG, Touro Infirmary, Louisiana
“Thank you so much for all of your advice and support. The feedback from patients and physician’s has been overwhelming positive. My job is so much more fun now!”
LM, Hancock Medical Center, Mississippi
“You have been awesome to us… we would not have gotten so far, so fast, and done this well without all of your expert assistance. You are doing great services for the hospitals that you help. We are lucky to have CHAMPS and you as part of our journey. I sincerely thank you for your help….!”
KR, William Beaumont Army Medical Center, Texas
“All of the OB staff have embraced CHAMPS and are now competing for who averages the most successful skin to skin couplets.”
BH, Hancock Medical Center, Mississippi
“Can’t express enough gratitude to the CHAMPS team for allowing our hospital to be part of the project. Things, policies, procedures that lactation department of 2!… had been trying to accomplished are coming to life due to the credibility and authority that CHAMPS bring to the attention of our administration. We are so excited about our hospital’s progress.”
SG, North Mississippi Medical Center
“On behalf of our team, we are very proud of the progress we are making at West Jefferson Medical Centre to improve outcomes for our OB and newborn patients. The assistance we have received from CHAMPS has been an integral part of our performance improvement plan. The work we do here will improve the health and wellness of the community we serve so proudly.”
LL, West Jefferson Medical center, Louisiana
“Thanks for part being of CHAMPS, whose efforts are focused on improving outcomes for women and infants in areas (such as Louisiana) with low breastfeeding rates and identified disparities. Together we can do so much more than any of us could do alone. I look forward to participating in the summit and in meeting you. New Orleans is really a great place to meet, to “eat” to share and to focus on how we can make a difference- LA’ motivation is high and our team has come to embrace opportunities such as CHAMPS.”
SA, Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals
“Thank you for allowing me and the facility that I work for to be a part of your team. I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute. I also have learned so much, and have had access to resources for subjects I am not knowledgeable in.”
LM, Hancock Medical Center, Mississippi
“Please know the work that we have accomplished at Hancock Medical Center would not be possible without the help of our amazing team here! All of the staff members in the OB department have been such team players and have really done such a great job with the CHAMPS project. Thank you for all always answering every email and phone call, and being a constant voice of encouragement when we need it most.”