Hi Netters,

Tis the season for the Title V MCH Block Grant Applications to be sent to the
feds.  In Ohio, we are having our hearings next week.  I just received my
copy of the block grant application draft from the Ohio Health Department
today (talk about last minute.....)  As I feared, they do not mention
breastfeeding in the objective to reduce infant morbidity and mortality.
 There is 1/2 page of childhood nutrition activities (the first one is Oral
Rehydration Tx....something that probably would not even be an issue if
mothers breastfed).  Ohio plans to count breastfeeding mothers as another
activity (somehow they fail to see that just counting does not increase the
numbers....).  There are approximately 5 1/2 pages of activities and
objectives relating to dental health (yes, I am serious!)  From the way the
application reads, the leading cause of problems for Ohioans is rampant baby
bottle tooth decay and unsealed molars.

Are LCs in other states monitoring this block grant?  It is a great way to
bring breastfeeding to the attention of those in charge of state health
policy. We LCs, here in Ohio, bang our heads against the bureaucratic walls
annually, go out for lunch together and take on the challenge of trying to
find out as much as possible about the block grant process as we can (the
last 2 years they have told us we cannot ask questions, but we have asked and
received answers any way).

I would be interested to hear what is going on in other states.

Martha Grodrian Brower RD LD IBCLC
A non-edentulous Ohioian with lots of fillings (and 2 crowns from teeth
broken while eating breakfast cereal--true!)  (As you can see, with 2 crowns
I truly am a queen!)