North Carolina Will Open Two Breast Milk Donation Sites

New donor drop-off locations in Greensboro and Winston-Salem aim to improve access to milk for NICU infants.

Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Babies

North Carolina Will Open Two Breast Milk Donation Sites

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Should medical institutions prioritize increasing local community access to donated human milk?

In October 2026, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will launch two new breast milk donation drop-off sites in Greensboro and Winston-Salem. These locations are designed to reduce travel time for residents donating to the WakeMed Mothers' Milk Bank.

Why it matters

Six out of 10 NICU babies require supplemental breast milk beyond what their mothers can provide, making donor supply critical for their development. By expanding access, the state aims to better meet these specialized neonatal needs.

Official state data indicates that 60% of NICU infants require supplemental milk to meet their nutritional needs. This program expansion addresses existing geographic barriers to donation, building upon the two currently established drop-off sites in the state.

The players

North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services

The state agency responsible for overseeing health programs and public medical resources.

WakeMed Mothers' Milk Bank

A facility specializing in the collection, pasteurization, and distribution of donor human milk to NICUs.

The details

The program operates through the WakeMed Mothers' Milk Bank to process and distribute donated milk to vulnerable infants. Prospective donors must complete a formal application and clinical screening process to ensure the safety and quality of the donated milk. Once approved, donors can drop off their contributions at designated hospital-based sites across the state.

New donor drop-off sites are scheduled to open in October 2026.
Two additional donor sites are planned to open before the end of 2026.

Health Landscape

The expansion reflects a broader effort to strengthen the WakeMed Mothers' Milk Bank distribution network across the state. It aligns with clinical efforts to increase the availability of donor milk for high-risk neonatal populations.

If you are interested in becoming a donor, contact the WakeMed Mothers' Milk Bank at 919-350-8599 to begin the application and screening process. Discuss the potential benefits of donor milk for NICU infants with your pediatrician or neonatologist.

The takeaway

Donor milk is a vital resource for the majority of infants requiring NICU care. Reach out to the WakeMed Mothers' Milk Bank at 919-350-8599 if you wish to learn more about the donation screening process.