Donors can now give breast milk to Lorain County Public Health

ELYRIA — Lorain County Public Health will become a breast milk donation site for the OhioHealth Mothers' Milk Bank starting today. Approved donors may drop off their surplus breast milk at the new drop site, 9980 S. Murray Ridge Road, Elyria, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. A freezer will store the donated human breast milk, which will then be transferred to the milk bank in Columbus at no cost to the donor. "We are thrilled to become a milk drop site here at our WIC clinic," said Marissa Wayner, WIC program director at LCPH. "Now breastfeeding moms have an opportunity to help sick and premature babies in a unique and very personal way by donating surplus milk." The new site also gives the county health department an opportunity to connect eligible community members to the breastfeeding support the WIC team offers. The Elyria site marks the 17th OhioHealth milk drop location in the state. Donated milk is distributed to hospitals and by prescription to babies in need. The milk bank, located in Columbus, relies on donations from healthy, lactating women who provide milk. To become a donor, mothers must take part in a screening process to ensure the quality and safety of the milk. This process includes a phone screening to verify eligibility, a signed medical release from the donor and physician, completion of a medical and lifestyle history review and consent to have a blood test done for various viruses and bacteria. Interested donors can email milkbank@ohiohealth.com or call (614) 566-0630. Babies — especially those who are premature, ill or have life-threatening conditions — benefit greatly from breast milk, which provides nutrients and immune protection. Babies benefit from the active growth hormones, developmental enzymes and immunological factors found in breast milk. Research shows that breast milk helps preterm babies: Reach full feeds sooner and need fewer IVs. Mature their intestines faster. Spend fewer days in the hospital. Reduce risk of necrotizing enterocolitis, a potentially fatal bowel infection. Reduce risk of sepsis and other infections. Experience long-term IQ advantages over formula-fed infants. Become healthier older children and adults. In 2021 alone, OhioHealth distributed nearly 421,107 ounces of milk all over the country — that's 3,289 gallons. Just 1 ounce can feed a premature infant for three days, said nurse Chris Smith, outreach coordinator and lactation consultant at the milk bank.