A new breast milk drop site has opened in Fort McMurray, located in the Fort McMurray Public Health Unit (113 Thickwood Boulevard.)
In partnership with Alberta Health Services (AHS) and NorthernStar Mothers Milk Bank the new drop site will serve as a site approved for breastfeeding mothers to drop their milk off, which is then sent to Calgary to be pasteurized and given to sick babies in hospitals across Canada.
“I am thrilled this milk drop is opening. As a breastfeeding mother, I am deeply supportive of initiatives like this one that help provide greater access to the health benefits of breast milk for premature babies and those suffering from medical issues,” says Brandy Payne, Associate Minister of Health. “I also wish to thank the donor mothers for their involvement in such an important program.”
Donors are not compensated for their milk, they give to support those babies who need the life-saving elements of donor human milk. This year, the milk bank will dispense more than 130,000 ounces (more than 1,000 gallons) of donor human milk.
Premature babies who spend time in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) depend on human milk for its life-saving benefits.
This site was made possible with support from the Northern Lights Health Foundation towards AHS’ Baby-Friendly Initiative, which encourages families to make informed decisions for their babies.
Foundation funds were used to purchase a freezer that will keep the milk donations safely stored before transport.
For more information about the milk bank and how to become a donor, visit the milk bank’s website.
For more information about Fort McMurray’s Milk Drop hours, please call 780-791-6247.
