Prior to our annual Health Fair and Breast Milk Drive, KPBS shared information about our remarkable event. TrueCare’s Health Fair and Breast Milk Drive is celebrated every August during National Breastfeeding Month. It also serves as an event to honor Children’s Health Day during National Health Center Week. Advocating for our youngest patients is a passion that truly reaches the heart of TrueCare’s mission, as over 30% of our patients are children.
KPBS highlighted the various activities and services made available to attendees during the event. The milk drive, an important aspect of the day, brought in over 18 gallons of human breast milk that was donated to our partner, UC Health Milk Bank. The donations help fragile infants in the ICU. The initiative received overwhelming support from four donor moms who recognized the importance of sharing the benefits of breastfeeding with those facing challenges.
The health fair also featured one-on-one opportunities to talk to healthcare professionals on topics ranging from lactation techniques to postnatal care. Interactive booths provided kids with activities and educational information, contributing to a fun atmosphere of learning and empowerment. Alongside several partners, TrueCare departments came together to host this no-cost event, including WIC, Pediatrics, Women’s Health, Dental, Outreach and Community Engagement, and Behavioral Health. TrueCare’s mobile was also onsite offering health screenings, dental screenings, and fluoride varnishes.
For several years at TrueCare, our breastfeeding initiatives have been a priority. In 2022, we received the Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace Award from the San Diego County Breastfeeding Coalition for excellence in providing lactation support. In 2023, we earned the IBCLC Care Award, a global recognition from the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners® (IBLCE®) and the International Lactation Consultant Association® (ILCA®).
Furthermore, TrueCare is proud to be an official Breastfeeding-Friendly Health Center. As a mission-driven organization, we continue to remove barriers for both patients and TrueCare team members by enabling breastfeeding support and encouraging parents through the process.