North Carolina Will Open Two Breast Milk Donor Sites
New drop-off locations in Greensboro and Winston-Salem will make donating milk easier for local families starting in October 2026.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Babies
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The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is launching two new donor drop-off sites in Greensboro and Winston-Salem this October 2026. These locations aim to increase access for mothers wishing to support NICU infants.
Why it matters
Expanding donor sites reduces travel distance for nursing mothers while addressing the critical need for supplemental milk. Currently, 6 out of 10 NICU babies require milk beyond what their own mothers can produce.
The state is adding two sites to the existing network that includes 501 Pharmacy in Chapel Hill and Novant Health Breastfeeding Presbyterian Medical Center in Charlotte. WakeMed Mothers' Milk Bank can be reached at 919-350-8599 for screening information.
The players
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
The state agency responsible for managing public health programs and supporting family wellness initiatives across North Carolina.
WakeMed Mothers' Milk Bank
A specialized facility that processes and distributes donor milk to provide critical nutrition for medically vulnerable infants.
The details
The program functions through a partnership with the WakeMed Mothers' Milk Bank, which manages the safety of the supply. Interested donors must complete an application and screening process to be approved for participation. Once cleared, approved donors can drop off their breast milk at these designated hospital locations for distribution to neonatal intensive care units.
Timeline
New donor drop-off sites open in October 2026.
Two additional donor sites are planned to open before the end of 2026.
The Home Front
This expansion aligns with industry standards for regional milk banking, which emphasize the importance of secure, localized drop-off points to maintain product integrity. It marks a shift toward broader state-level support for pediatric nutrition resources in North Carolina.
If you are interested in becoming a donor, you should contact the WakeMed Mothers' Milk Bank to begin the application and screening process. You can verify your eligibility or ask about the new drop-off locations by calling their office directly.
The takeaway
Donating breast milk is a vital way to support local NICU families in need of nutritional assistance. Contact the milk bank at 919-350-8599 to start your donor application process before the new drop-off sites open this October.
What happens next
The state plans to open two additional donor sites by the end of 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about infant nutrition and support services in our guide to Babies.
More information
For more information on the screening process, visit the WakeMed Mothers' Milk Bank website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WXII.
Live Poll
Should medical institutions prioritize increasing local community access to donated human milk?
