Utah County designates August as Breastfeeding Month, citing local rates above state average

The Utah County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution designating August as Utah County Breastfeeding Month and pledged support for lactation services and related policies.

Commissioner Amelia Powers Gardner read the resolution, which cites the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s reporting on breastfeeding and notes Utah County’s higher-than-state average rate: "the centers for disease control and prevention reports that among Utah infants born in 2019, 86.5 percent were ever breast fed" and "Utah County's breastfeeding rates exceed those of the state of Utah at 90.5 percent," the resolution text states.

During the reading commissioners suggested a wording change to clarify timing. "Because we talked about this on other Right. When does life begin? ... First 6 months after birth? I love that idea," Gardner said, and the text was adjusted from "first six months of life" to "first six months after birth." Commissioner Lee seconded the motion to approve the revised resolution.

The motion to adopt the resolution passed by voice vote, recorded as 3–0 in favor. The resolution calls for the county to support policies and funding ensuring lactating parents can access lactation support from health care institutions, insurers, employers and government entities and asked county health staff to carry out outreach and recognition activities during August.

Next steps: County staff will circulate the final, edited resolution and the Health Department and WIC staff present at the meeting were recognized by commissioners for their work supporting lactation and families in the county.