MHP, Shelby County Health Dept, The Milk Bank look to expand access to human milk for infants

Thursday, September 11, 2025 at 7:40 AM

By Staff report

Major Health Partners (MHP) Maternity Care Unit is partnering with the Shelby County Health Department and The Milk Bank to expand access to pasteurized donor human milk (PHDM) for inpatient infants in need.

“We are excited for this partnership and to be able to offer this resource to our new moms, “said Melinda Linville, MHP Director of Maternity Care. “Donor milk can provide a bridge to successful breastfeeding when a new mother needs a little extra support.”

To celebrate, the community is invited to a Partnership Expansion Celebration on Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the Shelby County Health Department (20 W Polk Street, Suite 202). Guests will enjoy snacks, drinks, a ribbon cutting, swag from The Milk Bank, and educational resources on donor milk.

“We’re grateful to MHP and the Shelby County Health Department for prioritizing infant health,” said Freedom Kolb, CEO of The Milk Bank. “Access to donor milk can make a lasting difference for babies and their families.”

The Milk Bank carefully screens, processes, and pasteurizes all donated milk to ensure it is safe and ready for use. MHP will receive its donor milk through The Milk Bank’s Milk Express Site at the Shelby County Health Department.

The Shelby County Health Department first partnered with The Milk Bank in 2023, becoming both a Milk Express and Milk Depot Site — providing local access to donor milk and offering approved donors a convenient drop-off location for frozen breast milk.

“We’re proud to be part of this life-changing program,” said Amy Reel, RN, Director of Nursing at the Shelby County Health Department, “and grateful to support families in this meaningful way.”

Together, MHP, The Milk Bank, and the Shelby County Health Department are working to give every baby the healthiest possible start.

Mothers who wish to donate milk can review the guidelines and begin the process at themilkbank.org/donate-milk.