Mothers’ Milk Bank of the Western Great Lakes (Milk Bank WGL), and the City of Appleton Department of Public Health have partnered to bring a new human milk drop-off depot to Appleton, Wisconsin. This joint effort increases access for approved donors and families in the area, to donate lifesaving, critical nutrition for pediatric patients in need. Starting January 2, 2025, donations will be accepted via appointment only.
“Donor milk is lifesaving for medically fragile babies,” said Amber Barnes Clinical Manager at the Mothers’ Milk Bank of the Western Great Lakes. “Many of the smallest patients’ care plans rely on this essential nutrition. The families that are able to donate this invaluable resource are superheroes. The Appleton Department of Public Health establishing a milk depot is really an amazing community asset for our generous donors.”
The milk depot will accept milk donations from healthy, lactating women who are screened and approved as donors through Milk Bank WGL. Individuals interested in donating through Milk Bank WGL can visit www.milkbankwgl.org. The donor application process typically takes about two weeks.
Upon collection, donations are transported to the milk bank’s processing facility in Elk Grove Village, Ill., where the milk is pasteurized to eliminate viruses and bacteria. The pasteurized milk is tested by a third-party lab and distributed to hospitals and outpatients in Illinois and Wisconsin.
Most of the pasteurized donor human milk dispensed by Milk Bank WGL is delivered to Wisconsin and Illinois hospitals including Ascension NE Wisconsin: St. Elizabeth Campus, Aurora Baycare Medical Center, Fox Valley Hospital-Children’s Wisconsin and more. Donor milk is primarily used in the NICU or postpartum unit. Individuals looking to purchase donor milk for home use can visit www.milkbankwgl.org for a list of milk dispensaries or to fill out an outpatient interest form.
“We are excited to be a drop off site for the Mother’s Milk Bank of the Western Great Lakes. Previously, the nearest locations were Green Bay and Oshkosh. Our site makes this more convenient for local donors.” Amanda Hatch BSN, RN, City of Appleton Department of Public Health Nurse.
Approved donors can access the Appleton Department of Public Health Depot Monday – Friday from 9am- 4pm, by appointment only. The depot is closed on weekends. Before dropping off milk donations, please contact the Department of Public Health directly.
Individuals interested in donating through Milk Bank WGL can visit www.milkbankwgl.org
