In a message dated 6/8/00 6:11:41 AM, [log in to unmask] writes:

<< The Maryland WIC program has put out two videos targeted to this
population; one is the Anita Baker film, and the other has been or will be
soon reviewed in JHL.
    I find it frustrating that someone has a bright idea (a video for a
certain population) and doesn't check out the resources. An example is the
person in the Washington Post article just cited here on LACTNET, who wants
to make a new video.
    There are breastfeeding videos for the deaf, that are signed and
captio >>

Nikki,

Loved the rant.
What bothers me is that somehow folks get the idea that if you slip in a few
faces of color and add some "snappy" music that will magically change peoples
attitudes about any health issue.  This is one of my concerns about the focus
on posters, videos and brochures to provide information and expect change in
behaviors as a result.

I think it is key that we have "culturally competent materials."  I also know
that one size does not fit all.

However, I think the most powerful agent of change is having someone who
looks and talks like you directly encouraging and modeling positive
behaviors.  To put it bluntly, if you want more African American women to
breastfeed, find, hire and train more African American women to be health
educators, nurses, lactation consultants and physicians (to name just a few
of the professions that interface with breastfeeding moms)!  Not to mention
identifying African American women peers who want to share their experience
as breastfeeding mothers.

I am working with a group of women of color (latina, punjabi, laotian and
black) who want to present Perinatal issues in a format in our locale that is
more sensitive to the needs of our fellow women of color.  We have worked
within "the traditional health information systems" but see the need to
branch and a do our own thing.

Yes, this is a rant!

Pierrette Mimi Poinsett, MD FAAP
Modesto CA

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