Baby formula scarcity creates increased demand and donations at Lee Health

Southwest Florida communities are coming together so babies don’t go hungry. Baby formula scarcity is causing problems for new parents. Lee Health has two milk depot drop-off locations in Fort Myers and Cape Coral.

Due to the ongoing baby formula shortage, health officials are urging new mothers to donate breast milk to their local milk banks. New mother, Kasey Mendiola, has been doing just that ever since her baby turned 6 months.

Mendiola says “that was when I officially had so much in the freezer that I was like, what do I do with everything?”

Mendiola began looking online.

“You can do milk baths,” Mendiola says. “You can make them out of soaps, you can make the milk out of lotions, or you can donate and I thought that was the best way to use my breast milk was donating.”

Mendiola has donated 7,500 ounces to over 17 different hospitals across Florida. On Tuesday alone she donated 1,000 ounces to Healthpark’s milk depot. She also got to visit the lactation room where milk is kept until either used or shipped out.

And with the current formula shortage, Lee Health says its seen an increase in calls for either donating milk or needing milk.

Mendiola says “I want to be able to help everyone in all different ways because I think that it is a gift and I want to share it with everyone rather than keep it for myself.”

She wants to spread the word and hopes other moms will donate also.

LINK: Resources from HHS

For more information on how to donate or be involved with Mothers’ Milk Bank of Florida click here

According to the Mothers’ Milk Bank of Florida pamphlet, these are the steps for donating milk:

1. Call the Mother’s Milk Bank of Florida at 407-248-5050
2. Complete a short phone pre-screening
3. Fill out the comprehensive screening form.
4. Have your blood drawn for testing. The cost of all the testing is covered by the milk bank.
5. Sign the donor consent form. Have your doctor and your baby’s pediatrician sign the medical release forms.
6. Drop off your milk at a Lee Health Milk Depot.
7. That is all there is to it. There is no cost to you!