Little Rock, Arkansas – The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) has issued an urgent call for donations as its Milk Bank faces a critical shortage of breast milk. Hospital officials say the shortage is affecting the availability of life-saving nutrition for fragile and premature infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) across the state and surrounding regions.
In a recent social media post, UAMS staff emphasized the gravity of the situation, describing the need for donations as “critical.” The post encouraged mothers with extra stored milk to consider donating, highlighting the profound impact even small contributions can have on infants in need.
“Your milk can make a life-saving difference for fragile and premature babies in NICUs across Arkansas and the region,” the post stated, underscoring the vital role donor milk plays in supporting the health and growth of newborns who cannot receive sufficient breast milk from their mothers.
The UAMS Milk Bank provides a crucial service, ensuring a consistent supply of donor milk for infants with medical needs while also serving as a community resource. Hospital officials are urging mothers who are already approved donors to contact the Milk Bank to arrange a pickup or drop-off of their milk.
For mothers who are not yet approved donors, UAMS encourages them to complete a simple screening process. Interested individuals can learn more about the procedure by visiting UAMSHealth.com/UAMS-Milk-Bank or by calling 501-686-5355. The process ensures that all donated milk meets strict safety standards before it is distributed to NICUs.
The shortage has raised concerns about meeting the ongoing demand for breast milk, particularly for premature infants who rely on it for essential nutrients, antibodies, and overall health support. UAMS officials stressed that community participation is critical to maintaining a steady supply and preventing disruptions in care for vulnerable babies.
The Milk Bank’s work extends beyond immediate hospital needs, providing donor milk to families in the community and helping support long-term health outcomes for infants who are unable to breastfeed or whose mothers cannot produce sufficient milk.
By calling attention to this shortage, UAMS hopes to mobilize the public to act quickly. Hospital representatives stressed that even small donations can have a significant impact, saving lives and supporting the growth and development of premature and critically ill infants throughout Arkansas.
Community members interested in helping are encouraged to reach out to the UAMS Milk Bank promptly. With public support, officials hope to stabilize the supply and continue delivering this essential resource to infants in need, ensuring that the most vulnerable patients receive the care and nutrition they require.
This urgent appeal reflects the critical importance of breast milk in neonatal care and underscores the ongoing need for community involvement to safeguard the health of Arkansas’s youngest and most vulnerable residents.
