Charlotte, N.C./ May 17, 2021 - Johnson C. Smith University has been chosen as a 2021 Women’s Impact Fund grantee. The grant will fund the University’s Birthing Professionals Program, which seeks to improve maternal and child outcomes of families of color by widening the access to birthing professional trainings for people for color. Through BPP, JCSU offers Birth Doula, Perinatal Educator, and Lactation Consultant trainings that equip non-degree students to receive certifications in these areas.
“We’re excited that we have been given this opportunity from WIF to help women in the Charlotte community close the disparity gap in maternal health by becoming birthing professionals,” said Dr. Antonia Mead, chair and professor of Health Education and Health and Human Performance.
WIF will grant the University $76,000 over a two-year period – 2021 and 2022. Funds will support personnel, scholarships and exam preparation costs.
“We applaud the Women’s Impact Fund for their dedication to, and support of, the broad spectrum of women’s issues and related services. Time and time again, this amazing group of investors come together to fund transformative programs that reach the heart of our community,” said Tami Simmons, vice president of Institutional Advancement. “The grants provided by WIF go a long way toward making life better for so many.”
JCSU is the first HBCU in the nation to offer a Pathway 2 Lactation Consultant Training Program aimed at diversifying the field of lactation to include more people of color, positively impact health outcomes, help address breastfeeding and health disparities and inequities, and provide more culturally relevant skilled lactation care.
