In support of National Prematurity Awareness Month, Yolo County's Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) is hosting its 14th Annual Human Milk Drive, an event dedicated to providing essential nutrients for at-risk infants. Set to take place Wednesday, November 19, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., the event will be held at 600 A Street in Davis, according to a recent announcement on the county's official website. The Yolo County Breastfeeding Coalition, local health organizations, hospitals, and community partners will collaborate with the HHSA for this cause.
Human milk is a life-saver for infants, particularly those born prematurely or with medical complications. To help such vulnerable infants, the milk drive encourages lactating mothers to donate their surplus breast milk. The milk donated will then undergo a process to rigorously pasteurize and test before it reaches the neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) and homes across the country. Mothers' Milk Bank California (MMBCA), a nonprofit organization that plays a central role in this effort, has been accredited by the Human Milk Banking Association of North America, ensuring that these crucial donations meet the highest standards of safety and quality.
The effort begins with donors who, upon careful screening, contribute to a bank that is both life-sustaining and healing. Donations can be made after becoming pre-screened online, as stated in the county's news release. Families in need of donor milk, or healthcare providers seeking to obtain milk for their patients, are also invited to visit the MMBCA website for more information on how to request these resources.
Community participation is essential to the success of this initiative. By either donating milk, volunteering to assist with the collection, or just raising awareness in their circles, individuals will directly be nurturing the health and development of infants in need. Lizeth Betancourt from the county health department is the point of contact for those wishing to get involved or seek additional details about this event. She can be reached via email at [email protected] or by calling (530) 666-8427.
