Breastfeeding Grand Rounds (BFGR) is a free, annual webcast sponsored by the University at Albany School of Public Health in partnership with the New York State Department of Health that is available to an international audience.  The program draws upon the expertise and experiences of health professionals working in the breastfeeding field, to increase the viewer’s knowledge and enhance breastfeeding practices.  The 2017 BFGR will focus on specific strategies health care providers can use to help change cultural norms to encourage breastfeeding in the United States (U.S.).

The social context in which a mother gives birth and cares for her child affects whether she initiates and continues breastfeeding.  Scholarly and popular literature describes breastfeeding as both a biological and social practice.  Health professionals have critically examined the ways biosocial factors shape breastfeeding practices among racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups in the U.S.  This BFGR will demonstrate how U.S. social values influence breastfeeding practices among mothers from different racial-ethnic and socioeconomic groups.  Presenters will describe strategies that have worked to change cultural norms and societal values in ways that positively affect breastfeeding rates among different U.S. groups.

“Breastfeeding Grand Rounds: The Impact of Social and Cultural Values on Breastfeeding Practices and Strategies to Address Disparities” will air on August 3^rd, 2017 from 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM.  This webcast is intended for healthcare professionals and paraprofessionals, and will offer CME, CNE, CHES, LCERP or general continuing education credits.  For more information, and to register, please visit http://www.albany.edu/sph/cphce/bfgr.shtml.

Reminder: Attestation Deadlines

Your 2016 MU attestation Deadline is on : 9/15/17

*Note: Your 2015 MU attestation must be paid before your 2016 MU attestation can be submitted.

Visit MEIPASS to begin your attestation.

Do you need assistance with your MU attestation?  Contact Program Support via phone at 877-646-5410 Option 2 or via email at hit@health.ny.gov.

Reminder: Attestation Deadlines

Your 2015 MU attestation Deadline is on : 6/30/17

Your 2016 MU attestation Deadline is on : 9/15/17

*Note: Your 2015 MU attestation must be paid before your 2016 MU attestation can be submitted.

Visit MEIPASS to begin your attestation.

Do you need assistance with your MU attestation?  Contact Program Support via phone at 877-646-5410 Option 2 or via email at hit@health.ny.gov.

Reminder: Attestation Deadlines

2016 AIU attestation Deadline: 5/31/17

Your 2015 MU attestation Deadline is on : 6/30/17

Your 2016 MU attestation Deadline is on : 9/15/17

*Note: Your 2015 MU attestation must be paid before your 2016 MU attestation can be submitted.

Visit MEIPASS to begin your attestation.

Do you need assistance with your MU attestation?  Contact Program Support via phone at 877-646-5410 Option 2 or via email at hit@health.ny.gov.

Register now for Hunger Solutions New York’s NYS Anti-Hunger Conference!

Join anti-hunger advocates, elected officials, policy makers, service providers and community members from across the state on May 17 in Albany for Hunger Solutions New York’s NYS Anti-Hunger Conference.  The event will include a full day of speakers, workshops and plenary sessions dedicated to seeking solutions to hunger.  Highlights include:

• Keynote address delivered by Jim Weill, President, Food Research and Action Center
• NYS Anti-Hunger Champion Award presented to office of U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand
• Plenary and workshop sessions on federal and state policy, SNAP outreach, child nutrition programs, and more

Featured Workshop:  Screening For Hunger—Bridging the Gap Between Food Insecurity and Healthcare

Presented by:
Kofi Essel, MD, Children’s National Health System
Richard Sheward, Senior Policy Analyst – State Policy, Children’s HealthWatch

More and more healthcare providers and systems are looking at ways to identify and address food insecurity as it becomes more widely recognized as a social determinant of health.  This important workshop will focus on advances in screening patients for food insecurity, including the landmark “Hunger Vital Sign.”  “Addressing Food Insecurity: A Toolkit for Pediatricians”, the FRAC/American Academy of Pediatrics toolkit, will be introduced, as well as additional tools and resources to help promote federal nutrition programs as health interventions.  The workshop will conclude with information about community agencies that can assist those struggling with hunger.

The conference will be held at the Albany Capital Center, Albany’s newest conference venue.  Register today!