Mothers’ Milk Bank California (MMB California), the oldest continuously operating independent nonprofit milk bank in the United States, has reached a significant milestone as it celebrates 50 years of service to infants and families in need across the country. To commemorate this achievement, the organization has launched a new Cares Program and updated its name to include ‘California,’ honoring its roots in the state.
Since its inception in 1974, MMB California has distributed an astounding 16 million ounces of human donor milk to some of the country’s most vulnerable babies. This volume is equivalent to filling seven swimming pools with what is often referred to as ‘liquid gold’ in neonatal care. The organization has built a community of nearly 25,000 milk donors, supporting thousands of families during critical times.
MMB California’s impact extends beyond its immediate service area, as it has played a pivotal role in establishing a network of more than 30 nonprofit mothers’ milk banks across the United States and in Mexico. These milk banks have followed the model set by MMB California, creating a widespread system of support for infants in need of donor milk.
The newly launched MMB California Cares Program is a testament to the organization’s commitment to advancing milk banking. The program focuses on four key areas: quality assurance and compliance, efficiency and excellence, equity and access initiatives, and education and outreach campaigns. These initiatives aim to uphold rigorous standards for processing and distributing donor human milk, streamline operations, increase access to donor milk for all families, and raise awareness about the life-saving benefits of donor human milk.
Jennifer Benito-Kowalski, Chief Executive Officer of Mothers’ Milk Bank California, expressed enthusiasm for the organization’s future, stating, ‘As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, we reflect on the incredible journey of saving lives and supporting families. Our new MMB California Cares Program is a testament to our commitment to quality, efficiency, equity, and education. We are excited to continue our mission and expand our reach to ensure that every baby in need has access to safe donor milk.’
The importance of MMB California’s work cannot be overstated. Human milk provides essential nutrients and immune-boosting properties that are particularly crucial for premature and medically fragile infants. By ensuring a safe and reliable supply of donor milk, MMB California plays a vital role in improving outcomes for these vulnerable babies.
As part of its 50th-anniversary initiatives, MMB California has also unveiled a newly redesigned website. The updated site features enhanced navigation and user-friendly interfaces, providing valuable resources for donors, healthcare providers, and families seeking support. This digital upgrade reflects the organization’s commitment to accessibility and education in the field of milk banking.
The impact of MMB California’s work extends beyond individual families to the broader healthcare system. By collaborating with a growing number of hospitals nationwide, the organization contributes to advancing neonatal care practices. Furthermore, MMB California’s involvement in research and advocacy for stringent health and safety guidelines helps to elevate standards across the entire milk banking industry.
As Mothers’ Milk Bank California looks to the future, its 50-year legacy serves as a foundation for continued innovation and service. The organization’s commitment to quality, efficiency, equity, and education positions it to address the evolving needs of infants and families in California and beyond. With the launch of the Cares Program and its vision for the next 50 years, MMB California is poised to continue its vital mission of ensuring that every baby in need has access to safe, life-saving donor milk.
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