More Ripley County babies can get access to critical milk through partnership

(VERSAILLES, Ind.) – The Ripley County Health Department is expanding access to breastmilk for families to breastfeed their child, while also offering a way to donate.

The organization has partnered with Indianapolis-based The Milk Bank to open a ‘Milk Depot and Milk Express’ site in Versailles. 

The initiative aims to provide life-saving pasteurized donor human milk for families in need. 

Kelly McAvoy serves as the Maternal & Child Health Coordinator for Ripley County Health

Department. She said data shows lactating mothers are in a ‘resource desert’ in our area. 

“This partnership with The Milk Bank allows us not only better access to pasteurized donor human milk, but to all of the support and education that The Milk Bank provides beyond it,” McAvoy said. 

The Milk Depot and Milk Express are the first of its kind to open in Ripley County.

It is now open at the Ripley County Health Department which is located at 102 W. First North Street in Versailles. 

What is the Milk Express?

The Milk Express site is a convenient location where parents and caregivers can pick up orders of pasteurized donor human milk from The Milk Bank. 

“Quick access to safe donor milk gives parents peace of mind when it is needed as a medical treatment, to bridge a gap early in postpartum, or to help meet breastfeeding goals,” McAvoy added

What is the Milk Depot?

The Milk Depot makes it easy for approved milk donors to drop-off donations of excess frozen breast milk. Donations from approved donors are accepted Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., and on Thursdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. 

Please call 812-689-5751 ahead of drop-off and select option 6.  

For more information on how to place an order for pasteurized donor human milk or become an approved milk donor, please contact The Milk Bank at 317-536-1670 or click this link.