Pontiac, Mich. — Oakland County Women, Infants and Children is one of two local Michigan agencies to receive recognition from the federal government. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has awarded Oakland County WIC the 2026 Gold Breastfeeding Award of Excellence in recognition of the county’s strong breastfeeding education, support, resources and community partnerships.

“I am so proud of our WIC program for earning this national recognition. Our certified lactation consultants and peer counselors walk side by side with new parents during their breastfeeding journeys, offering key support and education,” said Kate Guzmán, Oakland County’s health officer. “The Health Division supports all families by offering the Baby Cafe (breastfeeding support group), breastfeeding classes, our annual Bridging the Breastfeeding Gap event and more.”

Bridging the Breastfeeding Gap brings together providers, community members and families to create equitable breastfeeding support during National Breastfeeding Month. It is free and takes place on Monday, Aug. 17, from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at the Oakland County Executive Office Building Conference Center, 2100 Pontiac Lake Rd., in Waterford Township.

Highlights include:

• Keynote speaker Nekisha Killings, MPH, IBCLC, discussing BreastSide Manner for lactation professionals
• A parent panel
• Twenty-two vendors from maternal infant health agencies available to connect with families and share informational resources
• Raffles and giveaways
• Lunch

Free continuing education credits for nurses, community health workers, lactation consultants and doulas are available.

Register for the event at bit.ly/BBG2026. Health professionals and the public are welcome. It is made possible by grant funding from the Southeast Michigan Perinatal Quality Improvement Coalition.

 Breastfeeding supports mothers and babies in many ways. Breast milk, which is easy to digest, adjusts to a growing baby’s needs. Research shows that breast milk lowers a baby’s risk for asthma, allergies, obesity, diabetes, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, ear infections and digestion issues. For a mother who is breastfeeding, doing so can prevent certain types of breast and ovarian cancer, osteoporosis and diabetes.

 About Oakland County WIC

 Oakland County WIC improves the wellness of pregnant and postpartum women, infants and children up to 5 years old by offering nutritious food, nutrition education, breastfeeding education and support, client-centered services, health screenings and referrals to healthcare providers and other community resources. Breastfeeding support includes access to breastfeeding peer counselors and lactation consultants, breastfeeding classes and support groups, breast pumps and educational materials. Oakland County WIC provides food assistance to an average of 11,300 participants monthly.

 For more information about breastfeeding, visit oakgov.com/health or call the Oakland Connects Helpline at 800-848-5533, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. For up-to-date public health information, follow @publichealthOC on Facebook, X and Instagram.

 For media inquiries, contact Bill Mullan, Oakland County public information officer, at 248-858-1048.