CHEER has received a $400,000 grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation (WKKF) for reflection and action over the next 18 months. CHAMPS: The Way Forward project will investigate associations between institutional racism and maternity care practices, improve breastfeeding education for prenatal health care providers, and host an onsite CHAMPS conference in Mississippi.

CHAMPS (Communities and Hospitals Advancing Maternity Practices) is a hospital-based initiative that promotes evidence-based maternity practices, with the ultimate goal of decreasing racial disparities in maternal and infant health. Since WKKF began funding Mississippi CHAMPS in 2014, breastfeeding rates have increased, racial disparities have decreased significantly, and the number of Baby-Friendly designated hospitals in Mississippi has risen from 0 to 29.

In line with WKKF’s upcoming period of reflection and review, this new 18-month bridge grant will maximize output, forge new pathways, and showcase CHAMPS’ position as a national thought leader in maternal-child health.

We look forward to working with WKKF on CHAMPS: The Way Forward and sincerely thank the foundation for providing continuous funding to CHEER for nearly 20 years!