CHEER CHAMPion of the Week: Sarah Broom!

Dr. Sarah Broom

Sarah Broom, MD, is the Medical Director of Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi (BCBSMS), pioneers in their endorsement of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) across the state, their work with hospitals in Mississippi on Baby-Friendly practices, and their leadership. Sarah is leading the work with BCBSMS, and they are partnering with CHAMPS to promote Baby-Friendly designation to all of BCBSMS Network Hospitals that deliver babies in Mississippi and to host three regional education conferences geared toward empowering the staff of those hospitals to achievement of this designation. The first of these conferences occurred on September 11, 2015 in Tupelo, MS; the second occurred on November 11, 2015 in Jackson, MS; and the third will occur on February 16, 2016 on the Gulf Coast (location TBD). BCBSMS is also supporting the BFHI as a member of the Advisory Board of the Mississippi Perinatal Quality Collaborative, which includes the promotion of breastfeeding among its mission and areas of focus.

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Dr. Sarah Broom with CHAMPS team members at the Sept. 11 conference in Tupelo, MS. From left to right: Dr. Sarah Broom, Dr. Anne Merewood, Laura Burnham, and Kirsten Krane.

What are Sarah’s—and BCBSMS’—dreams for this project? As she says: “Our goals are to improve maternity care for Mississippi mothers and babies. Through this work, we aim to improve infant nutrition and to see all delivering hospitals in Mississippi achieve the Baby-Friendly Hospital designation. This work is not just important for our covered members. The Baby-Friendly Hospital designation will support our Network Hospitals in providing the highest quality, evidence-based care to all Mississippi mothers and babies.”