To coincide with Mother’s Day weekend, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) organized a milk donor event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on May 10 at their milk donation and treatment facility.

As Mother’s Day falls this weekend, we believe it’s a perfect opportunity to organize a community event aimed at encouraging mothers to donate breast milk while simultaneously informing the public about the Milk Bank’s mission and our efforts to assist both newborns and mothers in Arkansas,” stated Misty L. Virmani, M.D., who serves as the executive medical director of the UAMS Milk Bank, holds an appointment as an associate professor of pediatrics and neonatology, and leads the program on breastfeeding medicine. “This gathering will further serve to highlight the crucial part that breastfeeding has in fostering healthy early childhood growth and promoting lifelong wellness.”

Individuals opting to donate milk received donor screening sessions along with a guided tour of the premises. Representatives from the Arkansas Department of Health were present to provide maternal health checks and distribute vaccinations on a first-come, first-served basis.

There were also representatives from the UAMS Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Arkansas Children’s Hospital, and the Arkansas Minority Health Commission were also at the event to provide those in attendance with information about maternal and pediatric resources.

The donor day featured activities suitable for everyone in the family to enjoy.

Since its launch in September 2023, The Milk Bank has become a vital component of the state. This initiative ensures a consistent availability of donated milk for fragile and ill newborns, reducing the typical delays faced by hospitals when trying to obtain essential milk supplies that can enhance recovery outcomes for these infants.

Prior to the establishment of the Milk Bank, Arkansas had to depend on milk banks located in Texas, Michigan, Illinois, and Oklahoma, which cost the state an impressive $1 million annually.

Since 2023, The Milk Bank has expanded, adding 11 new milk depots, which brings their total number of donation sites up to 14.

After milk is contributed at these centers, it gets transferred to the Milk Bank, where it undergoes screening, pasteurization, and nutritional analysis. Subsequently, it is dispatched to various hospitals throughout the state based on requirements. This initiative serves dual purposes: providing needy individuals with access to breast milk and offering them a supportive network for their physical, emotional, or spiritual needs.

Arkansas boasts one of the nation’s highest rates for infant mortality, with a significant factor being the decline in breastfeeding practices. This reduction contributes to severe health issues not only among infants but also affects new mothers adversely.

Boosting breastfeeding rates in Arkansas is essential since the health advantages for both nursing infants and their mothers are substantial,” stated Virmani. “It reduces the likelihood of issues like sudden unexpected infant death (SUID), thereby helping to address Arkansas’ elevated infant mortality rate. Furthermore, increasing the number of successful breastfeeders could also lessen maternal deaths from reduced chances of diabetes, heart attacks, and strokes. Ensuring access to safe donor milk can minimize the risk of specific diseases in preterm infants, potentially preventing fatalities or severe disabilities.

Click here for information on how to donate milk to the UAMS Milk Bank. To speak to the Milk Bank, call 501-686-5355 or email milkbank@uams.edu.