UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS MEDICAL BRANCH GALVESTON

Nearly 5,000 babies enter the world each year at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) Galveston. Dedicated to providing quality and compassionate care to all mothers, babies, and families, UTMB Galveston applied to CHAMPS National and enrolled at the start of the year!

UTMB Galveston was selected as one of 100 hospitals across the country to join CHAMPS National to increase exclusive breastfeeding rates, improve maternity care, and decrease racial disparities. After enrolling in January 2024, the hospital was the very first site to submit monthly data on breastfeeding and other maternity care practices. Monthly data will help the hospital assess practices and monitor progress over time.

“Here at UTMB, we strive to work together to define the future of health care and be the best, while working to improve health by offering innovative education and training, and providing the highest quality patient care,” shares Olivia Owens, Clinical Educator and CHAMPS National lead at UTMB Galveston.

“As a Baby-Friendly Designated Facility, we were excited to be enrolled in CHAMPS to review opportunities for improvement with executing the Texas Ten Steps, explore our current exclusive breastfeeding rates, and ensure we are providing equitable breastfeeding education and assistance to all patients. The above team picture is comprised of our WIC and clinic directors, management, lactation consultants, bedside nurses, educators, and a clinical nurse specialist; all of whom have been vital in the planning and implementing projects to reach our ultimate goal.”

Thank you, UTMB Galveston, for your dedication to improving maternal, infant, and child health in Texas. We are thrilled to celebrate you as our CHAMPion of the Week!