MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- The Max Airmen Creating Tomorrows Solutions initiative, or MaxACTS, brings Airmen’s ideas to life here.
MaxACTS was developed by 42nd Air Base Wing leadership to give Airmen the opportunity to present their ideas and have them possibly implemented.
In the few months since MaxACTS has been up and running, four submissions have been selected, with one being the placement of nursing pods at the 42nd Medical Group, Squadron Officer School, Air War College and the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center.
The pods are completely enclosed spaces that allow nursing mothers to breastfeed or pump in a public setting in privacy.
"This MaxACTS process is empowering the community to identify innovative ideas to improve the quality of life of our Airmen or improve the efficiencies or effectiveness of a process or program,” said Lt. Col. Elisha Parkhill, 42nd ABW director of staff. “The pods are an example of this as we continue to make strides as a community to provide moms privacy in a comfortable, safe and secure location for nursing.”
The pods feature two benches, a small table, outlets and are regularly cleaned and remain locked at all times.
Mothers can search for and unlock nearby pods through an app provided by the manufacturer, Mamava. The app also gives the current user the choice on whether another woman can enter the pod or for the pod to remain locked until they have exited.
Through the MaxACTS program, an idea from one Airmen has benefited many across the base.
“They have been used by our patients, and it’s another layer and another way for them to be comfortable. Our goal for the medical group is to provide trusted care, so if we can provide them any possible means of feeling more comfortable within our walls, then that’s what we want to do,” said Master Sgt. Brandi Hart, 42nd Medical Group pediatric flight chief.