Emerging Practice

SISTERS UNITED: Promoting Healthy Habits, Protecting Our Babies

State/Jurisdiction: Arkansas
Setting: Community
Population:
Topic Area: Equity & Anti-Racism Health Promotion & Communication Workforce Development
NPMs: NPM 4: Breastfeeding

SISTERS UNITED was created by Arkansas Graduate chapter members of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Zeta Phi Beta, and Sigma Gamma Rho to address the contributing factors of infant mortality in the Black community, resulting in the following focus areas: folic acid before pregnancy, flu shots during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and safe sleep. A train-the-trainer conference was held, and each sorority president was charged with recruiting two to three members from their chapters to attend and become trainers for their respective chapter and the community at large. Trainings focused on preventive measures that directly correlate with the leading causes of infant death. These measures include taking folic acid, getting a flu shot during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and following safe sleep practices. Those chosen to be trainers are effective communicators, well-respected members of their communities, and already have a foundation of trust with the priority population.


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Implementation Handout
AFMC Journal Article


CONTACT INFORMATION
Arkansas Department of Health, Office of Health Equity
Shakia Jackson
shakia.jackson@arkansas.gov
(501) 671-1572
Practice Website