Merav Efrat to Receive Award for Dedication to Community and Neonatal Care
In recognition of her exceptional dedication and commitment to infant nutrition and education, CSUN Health Sciences faculty Merav Efrat is being recognized in 2025 by Perinatal Advisory Council: Leadership, Advocacy and Consultation (PAC/LAC) with the Mitchell Goldstein Dedication to Community and Neonatal Care Award.
Efrat is the Director of the Minor in Human Lactation Program offered through the Department of Health Sciences in the College of Health and Human Development at CSUN. The program prepares students for entry-level positions as a lactation educators, and encompasses the academic human lactation program for undergraduate and graduate students. CSUN is the only university in the United States to offer a minor in human lactation. Efrat also teaches in the program, which also offers continuing education trainings for healthcare professionals and community members.
The PAC/LAC 28th Annual Conference will be held at the California Endowment in Los Angeles and will bring together top perinatal healthcare providers from throughout Southern California. Presentation of the award will take place on May 29th at the Perinatal Advisory Council.
“This award is a meaningful recognition of my commitment to educating future lactation professionals,” Efrat said. “It shows that the work I’ve done—and the success of my students in the field—is making a real difference in supporting breastfeeding in our communities. This award also brings attention to the high-quality education our students receive. It enhances the university’s reputation and helps position our graduates as trusted professionals in both healthcare and community settings.”
Dr. Sherri Mendelson, PAC/LAC Board President, nominated Efrat for the award. In her nomination letter, she noted: “Breastfeed LA recognized Dr. Efrat with the ‘Visionary Impact Award’ for her pioneering work training the next generation of lactation professionals,” and cited Efrat’s most recent publication, “Exploring the Impact of Offering an Undergraduate Lactation Elective Course as a Strategy for Normalizing Breastfeeding,” published in the prestigious journal of Clinical Lactation. Mendelson also applauded Efrat for the several federal and private foundation grants she obtained for research, curriculum development, and experiential learning opportunities in human lactation.
Efrat is currently the Project Director for a major initiative to expand CSUN’s human lactation curriculum to equip students with the competencies and confidence they need to succeed as lactation professionals. Mendelson talked about Efrat’s extensive teaching on the subject and the ways she has expanded education for future lactation professionals who can help new mothers and improve the long-term health of women and children within and beyond California.
Looking to the future, Efrat said, “I hope lactation programs like the CSUN human lactation program continue to equip students with the knowledge and confidence they need to support breastfeeding families in the community. The ultimate goal is to empower students to create lasting, positive change in their communities. I’m proud of the students who go on to make a real impact. This award reflects not just my work, but the collective effort of a program that’s changing lives through education and advocacy.”