How Can I Help the Milk Bank?
Arkansas has one of the highest infant mortality rates in the nation, and one of the most impactful factors contributing to this is the low rate of breastfeeding. Increased breastfeeding, particularly in the early days of life, has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of infant death and improve long-term health outcomes. This is especially true for premature and medically fragile infants, who are at an even greater risk of complications and survival without access to mother’s milk.
The Milk Bank plays a critical role in providing this vital resource. We collect milk from lactating mothers who have an excess supply, and through strict screening, pasteurization, and testing processes that meet FDA guidelines and the standards set by the Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA), we ensure it is safe and ready for babies in need.
Donating milk, providing financial support, or purchasing items from our Milk Bank Wishlist helps keep our services operational, ensuring that families have access to the life-saving nourishment their babies need. Your contributions make a direct impact, helping to reduce infant mortality and improve the health of both our newborns and our communities.
Future Goals
Your gift will help us accomplish these goals and much more
Develop a Breastfeeding and Lactation Medicine Clinic
This clinic will be a space for direct patient care and teaching/training for lactation providers of all levels in our communities.
Support for Community Outreach Programs
We want to educate community members on the importance of breastfeeding and provide lactation resources for families.
Additional Space
We would like to develop spaces for breastfeeding classes, infant safety classes and education for students and medical providers.
Bereavement Support Program Development
This would include grief counseling training, breast pump rentals, breastfeeding support and memorials.