CENTENNIAL, CO (Sept. 16, 2025) - CommonSpirit Health is proud to announce that six of its Mountain Region hospitals have been formally recognized by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) for their outstanding work to improve and support breastfeeding initiatives across Colorado.
In total, CDPHE recognized 39 hospitals for their efforts to promote and support families to breastfeed through the Colorado Hospital Lactation Collaborative in 2025. These initiatives are part of the state’s work to promote healthy eating and active living to reduce the rates of death and disease from chronic illness among Coloradans.
This significant recognition highlights the dedication and commitment of these facilities to providing comprehensive and evidence-based breastfeeding care, education, and resources to new mothers and families. The CDPHE’s acknowledgment underscores the positive impact these hospitals are having on public health by promoting optimal infant nutrition and maternal-child well-being and recognizing these teams.
At the Sept. 11 event, CDPHE honored the 39 hospitals for being awarded the Colorado Celebrate 6 Award of Breastfeeding Excellence. The Celebrate 6 Award of Breastfeeding Excellence honors hospitals on a biennial basis for having implemented at least six of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative’s Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding. These are evidence-based policies and practices known to increase breastfeeding success and improve maternal and infant health outcomes.
“The hospitals awarded this year demonstrate their dedication to supporting Colorado families to breastfeed. With over 90 percent of Colorado families choosing to start breastfeeding their children each year, such supportive policies and practices are essential,” said Stacy Miller, Breastfeeding Specialist at CDPHE and facilitator of the Colorado Hospital Lactation Collaborative.
The recognized CommonSpirit Mountain Region hospitals include:
Inspired by faith. Driven by innovation. Powered by humankindness. CommonSpirit Health is building a healthier future for all through its integrated health services. As one of the nation’s largest nonprofit Catholic healthcare organizations, CommonSpirit Health delivers more than 20 million patient encounters annually through more than 2,300 clinics, care sites and 137 hospital-based locations, in addition to its home-based services and virtual care offerings. CommonSpirit has more than 155,000 employees, 45,000 nurses and 25,000 physicians and advanced practice providers across 24 states and contributes more than $4 billion annually in charity care, community benefits and unreimbursed government programs. Together with our patients, physicians, partners, and communities, we are creating a more just, equitable, and innovative healthcare delivery system. Learn more at commonspirit.org.
