# North Carolina Expands Donor Milk Access

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), in collaboration with WakeMed Mothers’ Milk Bank, is expanding the distribution of pasteurized donor human milk beyond neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) to outpatient settings statewide. This initiative establishes new donor milk distribution and drop-off sites across multiple cities including Chapel Hill, Charlotte, Greensboro, and Winston-Salem. The expansion aims to improve infant nutrition and health outcomes by facilitating easier access to donor milk for families with medically indicated prescriptions and increasing donor milk supply through enhanced donation processes.

- This expansion creates procurement opportunities for organizations involved in milk processing, distribution logistics, and outpatient healthcare supply chains within North Carolina.
- WakeMed Mothers’ Milk Bank serves as the prime contractor, indicating potential subcontracting or partnership opportunities for service providers supporting donor milk logistics and outreach.
- Procurement professionals should consider the implications of this statewide expansion on contract scopes, delivery requirements, and compliance with FDA regulations related to human milk handling.
- The initiative underscores the importance of coordinated public health partnerships and may influence future funding and resource allocation for maternal and infant health programs in the state.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Healthcare
**Topics:** Regulatory Compliance
**Published:** September 23, 2026

### Government Entities
- North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS)
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

### Vendors
- WakeMed Mothers’ Milk Bank (prime contractor)

### Key Quotes
> Each donation can make a meaningful difference for a vulnerable infant.
> — Kerrie Gottschall, MSN, RN, Manager of WakeMed Mothers’ Milk Bank

### Sources
- [North Carolina Expands Donor Human Milk Access Beyond Hospitals | NCDHHS](https://www.ncdhhs.gov/news/press-releases/2026/09/23/north-carolina-expands-donor-human-milk-access-beyond-hospitals) - NC