New Donor Milk Collection Center Opens in Watsonville to Support Infant Health

The collaboration between Mothers' Milk Bank California and RC Fam has led to the establishment of a new donor milk collection center in Watsonville, Santa Cruz County, set to open its doors on October 19, 2024. This initiative is a response to the escalating demand for donor human milk, which is essential for the health and survival of premature and medically fragile infants in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) and for families encountering breastfeeding challenges.

The center, located at 1205 Freedom Blvd Ste 3B, Watsonville, CA 95076, is designed to facilitate milk donations from the local community and surrounding areas. By doing so, it aims to ensure that every infant in need has access to the vital nutrition provided by breast milk. The grand opening event will feature educational presentations, facility tours, and community engagement activities like Bingo and a raffle, all aimed at raising awareness about the importance of milk donation and encouraging community participation.

Mothers' Milk Bank California, with its 50-year legacy, has been instrumental in providing safe, donated human milk to infants across North America. As a founding member of the Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA), the organization has set the benchmark for nonprofit milk banks, emphasizing the importance of screened, pasteurized milk for neonatal care. The partnership with RC Fam for this new center underscores a shared commitment to enhancing the availability of donor milk and supporting vulnerable newborns.

The opening of the Watsonville collection center is a timely intervention in the face of growing needs for donor breast milk. It not only offers a local solution for milk donation but also serves as a beacon of hope for families and infants in critical need. The event on October 19 is not just a celebration of this milestone but also a call to action for the community to contribute to a cause that saves lives. The success of this center could pave the way for similar initiatives, ensuring that more infants have access to the essential nutrition they require for a healthy start in life.