about American Indian/Alaska Native CHAMPS
American Indian/Alaska Native Communities and Hospitals Advancing Maternity Practices (AI/AN CHAMPS), funded by the W. K. Kellogg Foundation, is a breastfeeding initiative focusing on improving maternal and child health through the promotion of Baby-Friendly practices in Tribal and Alaska Native Hospitals and the surrounding communities. Since AI/AN CHAMPS launched, we have provided technical assistance to all AI/AN birthing hospitals. Also, 4 of the 5 tribally operated birthing hospitals in the lower 48 states have been designated Baby-Friendly. In Alaska, 3 Alaska Native hospitals are on the Baby-Friendly pathway and actively working towards designation. At the community level, AI/AN CHAMPS has worked with the Navajo and Blackfeet nations to provide community-based training and policy assistance. All 13 federally funded Indian Health Service (IHS) hospitals are also Baby-Friendly and had support from CHAMPS consultants in this effort. AI/AN CHAMPS operates in Alaska, Arizona, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Wyoming.
