Solano Public Health celebrates grand opening of milk collection center during National Breastfeeding Month

July 25, 2022

SOLANO COUNTY- The Solano County Department of Health and Social Services, Public Health division, in partnership with the San Jose Mother’s Milk Bank and First 5 Solano, announce the opening of the first human milk collection center in Solano County. The grand opening will take place on Thursday, August 11, 2022, from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at 2101 Courage Drive, Fairfield. Families, prospective donors, healthcare providers and community members are welcome to attend the family-friendly grand opening. 

The Mother’s Milk Bank of San Jose collects breast milk from mothers with additional milk supply who would like to donate to babies in need. The Milk Bank staff screens the donors, receives the breastmilk, pasteurizes and tests the milk. The milk is then distributed to medically fragile infants who in need at neonatal intensive care units throughout California. 

"The opening of a milk collection center represents a strong commitment to the health and well-being of the most vulnerable members of the community - fragile infants who depend on pasteurized donor breast milk,” states Teri Ewell, Lactation Educator/Counselor and Chairperson for the Breastfeeding Coalition of Solano County. “We are delighted to be able to serve our families and community in this capacity.” 

Following the grand opening of the collection center, the Breastfeeding Coalition is hosting their annual Donor Breast Milk Drive and Celebration in honor of National Breastfeeding Month in the Multi-Purpose room located at 2101 Courage Drive in Fairfield from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. In addition to the grand opening and Donor Breast Milk Drive, there will be different programs present to provide resources and information on how breastfeeding is the foundation for optimal nutrition, health and well-being, and a healthy community. The San Jose Mother’s Milk Bank will be in attendance to receive new donors.

Families are encouraged to attend this wonderful celebration. For more information, call Christina Hatcher at (707) 784-8329 or email her at [email protected].