(KNOX) – Grand Forks Public Health opened the Greater Grand Forks Milk Depot.
This depot provides a location for pre-screened families to drop off their breastmilk donations, creating a safe and convenient process for donors. Milk arriving at the depot is sent to a Colorado-based facility where it is pasteurized, tested, analyzed, and distributed to babies, primarily those staying in the hospital NICU.
“The idea for a milk depot came from our Greater Grand Forks Breastfeeding Coalition. We wanted to be able to give back to the community, and providing a convenient, easy way for families to donate excess breastmilk is one way we can do that,” said Mandy Burbank, RD, LRD, CLC, public health dietitian, “Breastmilk not only has major short-term benefits for babies, it has many long-term benefits that set them up for a healthier life. Donating breastmilk is an opportunity to help our littlest community members.”
“Donating breastmilk has become a highlight of my month,” said Rachel Flores, RN, BSN, public health nurse and breastmilk donor, “It’s exciting to know that the extra milk that I don’t have the freezer space for is going to a good use and helping babies grow and establish a healthy foundation for the rest of their lives.”
Visit www.grandforksgov.com/milk for more information on the depot and how to apply to be a breastmilk donor.
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