Health Action Item and Chronic Disease Self-Management Programs (CDSMP)
Health Action Item
National Breastfeeding Month
August is National Breastfeeding Month. The 2026 Theme is: RISE – Resilience, Interdependence, Self-Determination, Empowerment, highlights the importance of building supportive systems that enable families to meet their infant feeding goals. The theme recognizes that every family deserves access to equitable resources, informed care, and communities that foster resilience and empowerment throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period.
Throughout August, organizations are encouraged to participate in educational events, community conversations, and outreach efforts that promote breastfeeding, improve maternal and infant health outcomes, and strengthen support networks for families.
Additional National Breastfeeding Month Resources:
- U.S. Breastfeeding Committee (USBC) – National Breastfeeding Month
- World Breastfeeding Week
- La Leche League USA
- Office on Women's Health – Breastfeeding Resources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Breastfeeding
The Maryland Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program offers breastfeeding education, peer counseling, lactation support, nutrition services, and healthy food benefits for eligible families.
💚 Howard County Health Department – P.E.A.C.E. Project
The Perinatal Equity and Care for Everyone (P.E.A.C.E.) Project connects families with maternal health education, breastfeeding support, pregnancy resources, diaper giveaways, and community services.
The CARE Line (410-313-CARE / 2273) connects Howard County families to child care, parenting support, mental health resources, food assistance, housing resources, and other family services.
The Howard County WIC Program offers breastfeeding education, lactation support, nutrition counseling, healthy foods, and referrals to additional maternal and child health services.
2026 National Breastfeeding Month Weekly Observances
National Breastfeeding Month also highlights communities and organizations working to improve breastfeeding support throughout August and September:
- 🌍 World Breastfeeding Week (August 1–7)
- 🌿 Indigenous Milk Medicine Week (August 8–14)
- 🌺 Asian American Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander Breastfeeding Week (August 15–21)
- 🖤 Black Breastfeeding Week (August 25–31)
- 💼 Workplace Lactation Week (September 1–7)
- 🌎 Semana de la Lactancia Latina (September 8–14)
- 🤟 Deaf & Hard of Hearing Breastfeeding Week (September 16–22)
CHRONIC DISEASE SELF-MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS (CDSMP)
Community-based education workshops to help people manage their ongoing health conditions. These interactive workshops are designed to improve individual’s self-management skills. Workshops aims to help participants stay active and engaged in their lives and builds confidence in managing their health.
(Digital Copies Only) CDSMP Flyer and Poster links available:
