The Florida Department of Health (DOH) in Martin was named a breastfeeding friendly worksite from the Florida Breastfeeding Coalition. The Coalition is registered with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and recognizes businesses that support breastfeeding employees with policies, facilities, scheduling and resources. DOH-Martin is the first employer in Martin County to ever receive this statewide recognition.

The department was awarded Silver Level recognition for meeting specific employee breastfeeding support criteria including creating a special lounge where employees and visitors can comfortably breastfeed their babies or pump breast milk.

“We are so pleased with this recognition”, said Karlette Peck, Health Officer for the Florida Department of Health. “This demonstrates the dedication of our Women, Infant and Children (WIC) Nutrition program staff to encourage and support breastfeeding moms and healthier babies.”

WIC is a federally funded program which provides healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support and referrals for healthcare for eligible women and their children. Eligibility requirements and more information is available at www.MartinCountyHealth.com

Martin County is currently ranked number one in the state for babies breastfeeding at age 6 and 12 months.