Providence Opens Human Milk Collection Center in Spokane

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
July 31, 2025 

Providence Opens Human Milk Collection Center in Spokane 
New collection center at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center helps nourish fragile newborns and invites community milk donations 

SPOKANE, Wash. — Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center & Children’s Hospital is proud to announce the opening of a new human milk collection center, aimed at supporting medically fragile infants in partnership with Mothers’ Milk Bank California (MMBCA). The center will directly support the hospital’s Level IV neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)—the highest level of care available and the only one of its kind in the region—while also welcoming donations from local mothers to help babies across the Pacific Northwest. 

This initiative allows Providence to both utilize donor milk in its advanced NICU and contribute to broader collection efforts. The launch comes at a critical time, with demand for donor milk rising 30% in 2025, driven by California’s AB3059 and a growing national focus on equitable neonatal care. The effort reflects Providence’s commitment to providing exceptional care to the region’s most fragile patients.  

“The care and nurturing of our tiniest patients in the NICU are at the heart of what we do.  Breast milk not only nurtures infants, but also helps prevent disease," said Dr. Mike Barsotti, chief administrative officer. "By launching this new human milk collection center, we're not only providing crucial nutritional support to the smallest and sickest babies but also embracing the generosity of local mothers eager to make a difference.” 

Situated on the hospital’s 9th floor, the newly established collection site provides an easy and secure drop-off point for approved milk donors. It also offers vital lactation support and resources to both NICU families and the local community. Milk collected in Spokane will be securely shipped to Mothers’ Milk Bank California for processing and distribution to hospitals and families nationwide.

“We’re thrilled to expand our collaboration with Providence,” said Jennifer Benito-Kowalski, CEO of Mothers’ Milk Bank California. “Every ounce donated helps ensure more babies have access to the nutrition they need to survive and thrive.” 

For more information or to become a milk donor, visit MothersMilk.org/Providence. 

About Providence      

Providence is a not-for-profit Catholic health care ministry committed to providing for the needs of the communities it serves – especially for those who are poor and vulnerable. In Eastern Washington, the Providence network of services includes Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center, Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital, Providence Holy Family Hospital and Providence St. Luke’s Rehabilitation Medical Center – all nationally recognized for quality care, as well as two critical access hospitals in Colville and Chewelah. It also includes a full continuum of services under Providence Medical Group – Providence Medical Park in Spokane Valley (a comprehensive multi-specialty center), three urgent care centers, home health, assisted living, adult day health, skilled nursing care, and over 90 specialty and primary care clinics throughout Eastern Washington. Providence Medical Group includes more than 850 physicians and advanced practitioners. Its medical staff includes primary care providers, surgical subspecialists, and medical specialists. For more information, visit www.providence.org.      

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