Practicum Project: The Greater Los Angeles Lactation Center ✓ Solved

Practicum Projectthe Greater Los Angeles Lactation Center At The S

Practicum Project: The Greater Los Angeles Lactation Center at the Santa Rosa Family Medical Clinic

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The Greater Los Angeles Lactation Center (GLALC) is an essential initiative aimed at promoting breastfeeding (BF) within the East Los Angeles community. The center's primary focus is to enhance education, initiate breastfeeding, and provide post-partum support up to 12 months. This paper comprehensively analyzes GLALC’s strategies, community assessment, cultural considerations, and intervention programs to improve breastfeeding rates in the region.

Community Needs Assessment

The foundation of GLALC's approach stems from a windshield survey and population health assessment. The community of East LA comprises diverse cultural backgrounds, including African Americans, Latinas, Asian Americans, and Native American populations. The assessment revealed significant challenges in breastfeeding continuation, notably after 6 months, primarily due to societal, cultural, and logistical barriers (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021). The focus on education and initiation is critical in addressing these issues, aiming to improve breastfeeding initiation and duration rates.

Agency Overview and Outreach Strategies

Located at 4055 Whittier Blvd., Los Angeles, GLALC functions alongside a full-service clinic providing well-family and well-child care. The center operates through targeted community outreach such as farmer's markets, health fairs, flyers in English and Spanish, and open house events. These efforts are tailored to engage the culturally diverse population effectively (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2012).

The outreach recognizes the multicultural fabric of East LA, and educational materials are developed in multiple languages, including tailored content for specific cultural groups. This inclusion ensures culturally sensitive communication, essential for fostering trust and engagement (Kreuter et al., 2020).

Target Population and Focus Areas

The primary target populations are families experiencing breastfeeding difficulties, those considering initiating BF, and ongoing supporters of breastfeeding. The intervention emphasizes early education, troubleshooting, mastitis prevention, and fostering peer bonds in a safe space. These focus areas align with the health promotion models promoting proactive engagement and community support (Nola Pender, 2011).

Objectives and Interventions

GLALC aims to:

- Increase breastfeeding initiation and continuation for at least 12 months.

- Provide educational resources, including forums, presentations, and materials.

- Promote peer bonding and ongoing support through personalized visits (home or clinic).

- Address cultural barriers via linguistically and culturally tailored educational strategies.

The interventions leverage Nola Pender’s Health Promotion Model (HPM), emphasizing the individual's active role in health behaviors and the anticipation of personal benefits from breastfeeding (Pender, 2011). This model supports the development of programs that motivate women in their breastfeeding journey.

Evaluation Methods

Evaluation focuses on measuring the increase in breastfeeding duration, particularly beyond six months. Projected service delivery aims at 300 women in the first year, with quarterly reports and annual summaries provided to the California Endowment and other funders. In-clinic monitoring tracks breastfeeding rates, with a goal of maintaining >60% breastfeeding at six months, aligning with national recommendations (CDC, 2021).

Funding and Sustainability

The program operates on an annual budget of approximately $30,000, supported by grants from the California Endowment, the Charles R. Drew University MMM Grant, private donations, and in-kind contributions. Financial security is expected to be confirmed by Q4 2014, ensuring program sustainability.

Discussion

The GLALC initiative exemplifies a holistic, culturally sensitive approach to improving breastfeeding rates through education, community engagement, and tailored support. By addressing cultural beliefs and language barriers, GLALC enhances accessibility and efficacy of breastfeeding promotion. The integration of health promotion theories strengthens the program’s foundation, emphasizing personal benefits and community involvement (Pender, 2011; Kreuter et al., 2020).

Furthermore, ongoing evaluation and adaptive strategies ensure the program remains relevant and effective. Aligning local efforts with national breastfeeding goals can significantly impact maternal and child health outcomes, affirming the importance of community-based lactation support.

Conclusion

The Greater Los Angeles Lactation Center plays a vital role in increasing breastfeeding rates among diverse populations in East LA. Its multidimensional approach, rooted in community engagement, culturally competent care, and evidence-based strategies, holds promise for achieving long-term health benefits. Continued funding and community partnership are essential for sustaining and expanding these efforts, ultimately fostering healthier families and communities.

References

• American Academy of Pediatrics. (2012). Breastfeeding and the use of human milk. Pediatrics, 129(3), e827-e841.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Breastfeeding report card. CDC.
• Kreuter, M., McClure, S., & Raph, K. (2020). Tailoring health messages: Customization, personalization, and cultural sensitivity. Annual Review of Public Health, 41, 21-39.
• Nola Pender. (2011). Health Promotion Model. In Health Promotion in Nursing Practice (6th ed.). Pearson.
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). (2010). Healthy People 2020 Objectives: Maternal, Infant, and Child Health.