Date: July 29, 2025
By Mothers’ Milk Bank California
A powerful milestone is unfolding for Spokane families—and for fragile babies across the country. In partnership with Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center & Children’s Hospital, Mothers’ Milk Bank California (MMBCA) proudly announces the grand opening of a new human milk collection center at one of the Pacific Northwest’s most trusted hospitals.
Located on the 9th floor of Providence Sacred Heart, this new drop-off site gives approved milk donors in the region an easy, secure, and local place to give the gift of life: their surplus breast milk. From there, the milk will be shipped to MMBCA’s processing facility in California and distributed to hospitals and families nationwide.
A New Chapter of Giving in Spokane
This collaboration builds on a long-standing relationship between MMBCA and Providence Sacred Heart, whose Level IV NICU has long relied on donor milk to care for its tiniest patients. For NICU families, donor milk is more than nutrition—it’s a lifeline.
“Many of our NICU moms express a desire to give back by donating their surplus milk,” says Catherine Lindsey, NICU Dietitian at Providence Sacred Heart. “By becoming a collection site, we’re removing barriers for these generous families—transforming their desire to give into real, lifesaving action.”
The impact is twofold: more families are supported locally through lactation resources and a safe donation pathway, and more infants nationwide gain access to the protective power of donor milk.
Why Donor Milk Matters
When parents can’t breastfeed—due to health issues, adoption, or low milk supply—donor milk is a trusted alternative. It gives babies the nutrients and immune support they need to grow strong and stay healthy. Breast milk is considered the best nutrition for infants, especially in the first six months of life.
At Mothers’ Milk Bank California, we believe all babies should have access to donor milk when they need it. It’s one of the most effective ways to support a healthy start in life.
Meeting the Moment
The need for donor milk is rising—demand has already grown by 30% in 2025. New laws like California’s Assembly Bill 3059, which requires insurance to cover medically necessary donor milk, are not only helping more families get the support they need—they’re also reducing barriers for hospitals to adopt and expand the use of donor milk. A growing focus on equitable care is making it easier for more babies to benefit from this essential resource.
“This new site couldn’t come at a better time,” says Jennifer Benito-Kowalski, CEO of MMBCA. “We’re grateful to strengthen our partnership with Providence Sacred Heart and help even more families. Every ounce of donated milk makes a difference.”
Become a Milk Donor
Approved milk donors are healthy, lactating individuals with extra milk and a desire to help others. If you’re in the Spokane area, you can stop by Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center’s 9th floor to learn more and drop off milk once approved. To begin the prescreening process, visit MothersMilk.org/Providence and see how you can make a lifesaving difference.
Because one donation can change a life.