Skip Global navigation and goto content

It's a New Day in Public Health.

The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.

Skip MegaMenu and goto content

DOH-Volusia - The Big Latch on August 4

By Holly Smith

July 18, 2017

Daytona Beach, Fla. - On Friday, August 4, Volusia County mothers and "mothers to be" will join others across the world for the Global Big Latch On to promote breastfeeding. The annual event is from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Florida Department of Health (DOH) in Volusia County's Daytona Beach location at 1845 Holsonback Drive.

"Breastfeeding is one of the most effective measures a mother can take to protect the health of her infant," said Patricia Boswell, administrator of the Florida Department of Health (DOH) in Volusia County. "Breastfeeding is a normal activity for mothers and their children, and mothers need support from their families, friends, communities, clinicians and employers."

In 2015, more than 75 percent of Volusia County mothers breastfed their babies after delivery, according to the DOH Bureau of Vital Statistics. That's a 25-percent increase over the number of mothers who ever breastfed their babies in 2004.

Breastfeeding mothers, supporters and advocates are encouraged to attend this no-cost event presented by the Volusia/Flagler Breastfeeding Coalition.

Several community partners will share information on child-related services, including Healthy Start, Safe Kids, Halifax Health, Florida Hospital, La Leche League, Resources for Women and the Florida Department of Health in Volusia County's Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), immunizations, family planning, dental services and tobacco prevention programs.

The event also will offer 30 vendors, refreshments, educational classes, door prizes and a children's activities area provided by Volusia County Library Services and the Early Learning Coalition Program. For more information on the event, please volusia-flagler-biglatchon2017.eventbrite.com.

Community acceptance and support is needed to improve the health of children and women around the world, according to the global event host biglatchon.org. Women's Health Action started the global event in New Zealand in 2005.

                         ###

About the Florida Department of Health

The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.

Newsroom

Statewide Articles

JavaScript must be enabled in your browser to display articles

Local Articles