Community Bridges Hosts 18th Annual Breastfeeding Walk & Health Fair at Laurel Park
Community Bridges, a prominent nonprofit organization in Santa Cruz County, is set to host its 18th Annual Breastfeeding Walk and Health Fair on Thursday, August 7, 2023. The event will take place at Laurel Park from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., providing a platform for education, celebration, and community engagement around breastfeeding and maternal health.
The initiative is organized by the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, a critical service offered by Community Bridges that plays a pivotal role in supporting low-income pregnant and postpartum women, as well as families with young children. This year’s event coincides with World Breastfeeding Week, designed to promote breastfeeding and highlight the resources available to families through Community Bridges and its health partners.
Open to the public, the event welcomes new and expecting parents, encouraging them to participate in the community walk scheduled at 3 p.m. This walk not only symbolizes support for breastfeeding families but also fosters a sense of solidarity among community members. Following the walk, attendees will be treated to live music, complimentary refreshments, and free T-shirts. Additionally, there will be a raffle offering exciting prizes, making the event a joyful occasion for families.
In alignment with its mission, Community Bridges has arranged various resource booths that focus on family health and wellness. Local organizations will provide information and support on a range of topics beneficial to families. Importantly, the program will also conduct a donor human milk drive, aimed at collecting breast milk to assist families in need.
Community Bridges reports that it currently serves approximately 800 pregnant women and 900 breastfeeding mothers annually, in addition to providing resources to around 1,600 infants and 5,000 children across Santa Cruz County. The organization emphasizes that low-income residents who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or caring for children under five years old can access a variety of services. These include nutrition education, breastfeeding support, meals, and health screenings, which are made available both online and on-site at three designated locations in the county.
Residents can benefit from the following WIC centers:
– WIC Watsonville: 18 W. Lake Avenue Suite A, Watsonville, CA 95076; open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
– WIC Santa Cruz: 1105 Water Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95062; open Monday to Thursday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
– WIC Felton: 6134 Highway 9, Felton, CA 95018; available on the 3rd Wednesday and Thursday of each month from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
The Breastfeeding Walk and Health Fair not only aims to educate and celebrate breastfeeding in the community but also underscores the importance of support systems for families during the crucial early years of a child’s life. For further information about the event and services, community members can visit Community Bridges’ website.
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