The Global Communities’ Healthy Start San Diego/Riverside (HSSD-R) Community Consortium is a collaborative network that works to improve maternal and infant health outcomes in underserved communities. The Consortium unites diverse stakeholders—including healthcare providers, community organizations, families, and advocates—to identify needs, share resources, and drive strategic initiatives for systems change. The HSSD-R created a white paper entitled Recognition and Inclusion of Licensed Midwives and IBCLCs as Essential Clinical Providers in Healthy Start Programming that outlined the key role Licensed Midwives (LMs) and International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs®) play in resolving maternal and infant mortality as clinical providers in Healthy Start (HS) programs. Rationale was shared for increasing access to LMs and IBCLCs®, falling into four main categories: Training & Oversight; High-value, Low-Cost Health Impact; Ability to Address Workforce Shortages and Maternal Care Deserts; Alignment with Major Maternal Health Initiatives.

NLCA was pleased to sign on to the letter sent to the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) endorsing the white paper and urging HRSA to consider the inclusion of IBCLCs® as clinical lactation care providers in nationwide Healthy Start programs.

Click below to read the text of both letters.
Endorsement letter 
White paper