AVMC To Be Honored as the Hospital of the Year by the California Breastfeeding Coalition

(LANCASTER, Calif., June 12, 2025) — Antelope Valley Medical Center (AVMC) will be honored as the Hospital of the Year at the California Breastfeeding Coalition’s Inaugural Lactation Impact Awards Gala, a landmark event celebrating excellence, innovation, and leadership in lactation support across California.

Antelope Valley Medical Center was recognized for setting the standard for equitable, community-rooted breastfeeding support. With 24/7 IBCLC RN coverage, a dedicated Education & Breastfeeding Center, and deep cross-department collaboration—including innovative IT solutions and targeted health equity work—AVMC has gone above and beyond to serve all lactating families. AVMC’s commitment to reducing disparities and uplifting the entire community makes them a standout leader in maternal-child health.

“The Lactation Impact Awards were created to honor the leaders and organizations who are making lactation visible, supported, and celebrated in every space — from hospitals and WIC offices to boardrooms and campuses. We know that real change happens when lactation is woven into the fabric of our communities, and these awardees are leading the way. This gala is our chance to shine a light on their work and inspire even more progress across California”, said California Breastfeeding Coalition Executive Director, Jasmine Pettis Marquez, MPH, IBCLC.

The Lactation Impact Awards Gala will be held on Saturday, June 28th, 2025, in Hollywood, CA and will bring together advocates, practitioners, and changemakers dedicated to advancing breastfeeding and lactation equity statewide.  Award recipients are honored for their measurable contributions to increasing visibility, access, and support for lactating individuals, whether through workplace policies, education, advocacy, or clinical care.

"I applaud our teams’ effort and commitment in supporting every family with the education, resources, and compassionate care our patients need to begin their breastfeeding journey,” said Edward Mirzabegian, Chief Executive Officer, Antelope Valley Medical Center. “Breastfeeding is at the core of infant health and maternal well-being, so promoting breastfeeding is not just a clinical priority—it’s a community investment in lifelong health."

To learn more about Antelope Valley Medical Center and the services offered at our Women and Infants Pavilion, please visit www.avmc.org/WIP.

To learn more about the California Breastfeeding Coalition, the Lactation Impact Awards, visit: https://californiabreastfeeding.org/lactation-impact-awards.

Picture Caption: Antelope Valley Medical Center is honored as the Hospital of the Year by the California Breastfeeding Coalition

About Antelope Valley Medical Center

Antelope Valley Medical Center (AVMC) is the leading hospital in the heart of the Antelope Valley, delivering high-quality, compassionate healthcare to the community since 1955. As a 420-bed, full-service, acute-care hospital, AVMC offers comprehensive medical services, including emergency care, advanced surgical procedures, maternity and neonatal care, cardiovascular care, and the region’s only trauma center, pediatric and inpatient behavioral health unit. With a focus on innovation and compassionate care, AVMC is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of the communities it serves. For more information, visit www.avmc.org, call (661) 949-5000, or follow us at @avmedicalcenter.

About the California Breastfeeding Coalition

The California Breastfeeding Coalition (CBC) is a nonprofit organization working to normalize breastfeeding and increase access to lactation support, especially in underserved communities. Through advocacy, education, and collaboration, CBC aims to eliminate systemic barriers and ensure all families have the support they need to reach their infant feeding goals.