The California Breastfeeding Coalition (CBC) has been awarded the Californians Linking Action with Science for Prevention of Breast Cancer (CLASP-BC) grant by the University of California Office of the President. This is a transformative $1.2 million grant that will allow the CBC to expand equitable, culturally informed breastfeeding and chestfeeding support across the state. This investment will power two major initiatives designed to remove systemic barriers to breastfeeding and chestfeeding and improve health outcomes for families.
Breastfeeding and chestfeeding plays a critical role in reducing the risk of breast cancer. According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, women who breastfeed have about a 4.3% lower risk of developing breast cancer for every 12 months they breastfeed, and the protective effect increases with longer durations. Yet many families from underserved communities face challenges that make it difficult to begin and sustain breastfeeding and chestfeeding. This project directly addresses those inequities.
Key Initiatives Funded by the Grant:
- The Comprehensive Lactation Support Directory: A free, multilingual statewide resource connecting families with local coalitions, cultural task forces, WIC, IBCLCs, LGBTQIA+ friendly providers, and health programs. The directory will include vital details about cost, insurance, language, and accessibility.
- The LATCH Line: A multilingual, statewide lactation warmline staffed by culturally competent professionals who can provide guidance, referrals, and real-time support in multiple languages.
“We designed this project with community at the center, using focus groups, surveys, the CFIR model, and the CBPAR framework. The solutions come directly from parents, advocates, and providers across California. This investment gives us the resources to bring those solutions to life,” says CBC Project Manager Raksha Singh
The project aims to increase breastfeeding and chestfeeding duration, provide more culturally relevant and evidence-based support, reduce misinformation, and close gaps that contribute to health inequities, all while helping to prevent breast cancer.
“This grant is not about duplicating the incredible work already happening at the community level, in clinics, and hospitals across California. Instead, our goal is to serve as a centralized resource that helps families find the best evidence-based, culturally responsive support to meet their infant feeding goals. By connecting and strengthening these existing efforts, we can ensure that every California family has access to the guidance and care they deserve while also advancing breast cancer prevention.,” says Executive Director, Jasmine Pettis Marquez.
For updates on this initiative, upcoming focus groups, and more follow the California Breastfeeding Coalition and contact us at latchline@californiabreastfeeding.org.