BABY-FRIENDLY HOSPITALS PROJECT RFP |
Printer-friendly version |
BABY-FRIENDLY HOSPITALS PROJECT The strongest risk factors for early breastfeeding termination are late breastfeeding initiation and supplementing the infant, making imperative that hospitals adopt and follow institutional policies that protect, promote and support breastfeeding. Institutional changes in maternity care practices effectively increase breastfeeding initiation and duration as most children are born in a hospital or birthing center. Unfortunately, in Los Angeles County, the 2007 average exclusive hospital breastfeeding rate at discharge is 24.1%, compared with California's rate of 42.7% and 67.3% for California hospitals already designated Baby-Friendly. The First 5 LA Board of Commissioners recognizes the great need in LA County to improve breastfeeding rates and approved the Baby-Friendly Hospital Project with a total allocation of up to $10,500,000. The Baby-Friendly Hospitals Project will enhance and support a continuum of care to improve initiation and duration of breastfeeding by improving breastfeeding policies and procedures in birthing hospitals. This improvement in breastfeeding policies will also support outcome of strengthened "attachment and bonding" between mother and child as it is aimed at increasing exclusive breastfeeding. Through the Baby Friendly Hospital Project, First 5 LA will provide selected hospitals with support in the hospital's efforts to attain the Baby-Friendly Hospital designation from Baby-Friendly USA. Baby-Friendly Hospitals Project RFP Cover Page (pdf) An information session for the Baby-Friendly Hospital RFP was held on December 13, 2010 at First 5 LA, located in Downtown Los Angeles at 750 N. Alameda Street Los Angeles, CA 90012. To view a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) received at this information session please click here. (updated 1/10/11) In response to this RFP, applicants are requested to submit a complete application online to First 5 LA no later than 5:00 pm on Friday, January 21, 2011 (no hard copy or emailed submissions will be accepted). For on-line application and instructions, please click here. The application must include the important documents listed below. • Appendix A: Proposal Package Checklist (pdf) • Proposal Content * • Appendix E: Signature Authorization Form** (pdf) • Appendix F: Agency Involvement in Litigation and/or Contract Compliance Difficulties** (pdf) • Appendix G: Commitment to Achieve and Maintain Baby-Friendly Hospital Designation ** (pdf) • Proof of nonprofit status or appropriate business license (if applicable) * • Current Audited Financials* • By-Laws (if applicable)* • Articles of Incorporation (if applicable)* • List of Governing Body Members * * No First 5 LA format is required. Applicants may submit existing documents or records. The following document is for applicant's refrence only: Appendix D: Sample Contract (pdf) For additional information or further questions, please email babyfriendly@first5la.org |
|
