Shelbyville, IN – September 2, 2025 – Major Health Partners (MHP) Maternity Care Unit is excited to partner with the Shelby County Health Department and The Milk Bank to expand access to pasteurized donor human milk (PHDM) for inpatient infants in need.

“We are excited for this partnership and to be able to offer this resource to our new moms, “said Melinda Linville, MHP Director of Maternity Care. “Donor milk can provide a bridge to successful breastfeeding when a new mother needs a little extra support.”

To celebrate, the community is invited to a Partnership Expansion Celebration on Wednesday, September 18 at 11:00 a.m. at the Shelby County Health Department (20 W Polk Street, Suite 202). Guests will enjoy snacks, drinks, a ribbon cutting, swag from The Milk Bank, and educational resources on donor milk.

“We’re grateful to MHP and the Shelby County Health Department for prioritizing infant health,” said Freedom Kolb, CEO of The Milk Bank. “Access to donor milk can make a lasting difference for babies and their families.”

The Milk Bank carefully screens, processes, and pasteurizes all donated milk to ensure it is safe and ready for use. MHP will receive its donor milk through The Milk Bank’s Milk Express Site at the Shelby County Health Department.

The Shelby County Health Department first partnered with The Milk Bank in 2023, becoming both a Milk Express and Milk Depot Site— providing local access to donor milk and offering approved donors a convenient drop-off location for frozen breast milk.

“We’re proud to be part of this life-changing program,” said Amy Reel, RN, Director of Nursing at the Shelby County Health Department, “and grateful to support families in this meaningful way.”

Together, MHP, The Milk Bank, and the Shelby County Health Department are working to give every baby the healthiest possible start.

Mothers who wish to donate milk can review the guidelines and begin the process at themilkbank.org/donate-milk. Event details available at: facebook.com/events/2248487662272802

About The Milk Bank:

The Milk Bank is a non-profit tissue bank dispensing more than 600,000 ounces of pasteurized donor human milk to hospitals and families throughout the region every year. Since its inception in 2005, The Milk Bank has provided more than 15.6 million feedings of safe human milk to those who are often born too small, too sick, or too soon. The Milk Bank improves health outcomes for premature and ill infants, fosters better health for children, and decreases health care expenditures. The Milk Bank follows the strictest safety standards informed by the CDC and FDA and is a proud member of the Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA). Visit https://www.themilkbank.org/ to learn more. Review our press kit and for additional media inquiries, contact Lindsay McGuire, Assistant Director of Advancement – Branding & Outreach, at lmcguire@themilkbank.org or 317-536-1670 ext. 114. To learn more about how The Milk Bank can serve infants in your community or to support The Milk Bank, visit themilkbank.org.