CCM Health Opens Milk Depot Location and Receives First Donation of 640 Ounces
CCM Health Opens Milk Depot Location and Receives First Donation of 640 Ounces
CCM Health is proud to announce the official opening of its new CCM Health Milk Depot, a convenient local drop-off location for approved breast milk donors in Southwest Minnesota. The depot recently received its first donation — an incredible 640 ounces of frozen breast milk donated by Angela Lee.
The CCM Health Milk Depot is offered in partnership with the Minnesota Milk Bank for Babies. The depot serves as a safe collection and temporary storage site for donor milk. Once collected at CCM Health, the milk is transported to the Minnesota Milk Bank, where it undergoes thorough screening, pasteurization and testing before being distributed to hospitals and families in need.
“We are so excited to officially open the CCM Health Milk Depot and to receive such a generous first donation,” said Courtney Kleinhuizen, BSN, RN, CLS, OB Clinical Coordinator at CCM Health, who accepted the donation. “Angela’s gift of 640 ounces is an amazing example of how one donor can make a meaningful difference for babies and families. We are grateful to be able to offer this service close to home and help connect local donors with families who need this important nutritional support.”
Human milk supports infant growth, digestion, and immune health. When a parent’s own milk is unavailable or needs to be supplemented, screened donor milk can provide additional nutritional support for babies. Families feed their babies in many different ways, and donor milk is one option that may help support a baby’s needs.
“Becoming an approved breast milk donor is truly the biggest blessing,” said Angela Lee. “I am so grateful knowing that my milk will support other mothers and babies on their feeding journey. As a first-time mom, I never imagined I would have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of families beyond my own. It’s an incredible honor to be able to give back in such a meaningful way.”
Lactating mothers who are interested in donating breast milk must first complete the donor screening and approval process through the Minnesota Milk Bank for Babies. Potential donors complete a health history, screening and blood testing, which is covered by the Minnesota Milk Bank, to help ensure safety for recipient infants. Once approved, donors can schedule a convenient drop-off time with CCM Health.
CCM Health Infant Feeding Services is committed to supporting mothers, babies and families through every stage of the feeding journey. Becoming a milk depot allows CCM Health to expand access to vital infant nutrition resources while helping families across Minnesota and surrounding communities.
To learn more about CCM Health Infant Feeding Services or becoming a milk donor, visit ccmhealthmn.com/service/infant-feeding-services or call the CCM Health Lactation team at (320) 321-8443.
Funding for this project was provided by Countryside Public Health SHIP.