Suffolk County Department of Health Services in collaboration with The Witness Project of Long Island will sponsor a screening of the documentary “Chocolate Milk,” which examines the factors that influence breastfeeding rates for black mothers in America, as told through the stories of three African American women. The screening will take place at 5:30 p.m. on August 27, 2019 at the Wyandanch Senior Nutrition Center located at 28 Wyandanch Avenue, Wyandanch, NY.
“African American women breastfeed at significantly lower rates than do women of other races,” said County Executive Steve Bellone. “By shedding light on the socioeconomic and social disparities that influence this disparity we can begin to address the issue and collaborate to improve the health of all families in Suffolk County.”
“The long-term health benefits of breastfeeding, including reduced risk of chronic disease, cancer, asthma and obesity, far outweigh the challenges,” said Dr. James Tomarken, Commissioner of Health in Suffolk County. “We hope our community partners will join us in exploring ways to bring breastfeeding back as a cultural norm for this community.”
The documentary screening of “Chocolate Milk” is co-sponsored by the Suffolk County Department of Health Services’ Office of Minority Health, Women Infants and Children (WIC) Program and Maternal Infant Community Health Collaborative (MICHC) Programs.
To register, contact the Office of Minority Health at 631-854-0378 or online at OMH@Suffolkcountyny.gov.
Follow us
suffolkcountyny.gov
Facebook.com/SuffolkCountyHealth
Twitter.com/SuffolkCoHealth