Bloomington, Indiana – Families in Monroe County now have a new resource aimed at improving infant nutrition and supporting parents after the Monroe County Health Department officially announced the opening of a new Milk Express location in partnership with The Milk Bank.
Health officials said the new service is designed to expand access to Pasteurized Donor Human Milk for newborns and infants while strengthening support systems for new and expectant parents throughout the community. The Milk Express is now open to the public and will operate from the Monroe County Health Department building located at 119 West 7th Street in Bloomington, Indiana.
Community leaders described the project as an important step toward improving maternal and child health, especially for families who may need immediate access to donor milk for medical or personal reasons.
“We are thrilled to be part of this incredible support system, and to build on our existing services for new and expectant parents,” said Monroe County Health Administrator Lori Kelley.
The official grand opening celebration is scheduled to take place on June 1, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the health department facility.
New Service Expands Access for Families
According to officials, the Milk Express will function as a distribution center where parents and caregivers can purchase donor milk supplied by The Milk Bank. The service will be available both for hospital-related needs and for members of the wider community seeking safe nutritional support for infants.
Families will be able to place orders through The Milk Bank’s website before picking up the donor milk directly from the Monroe County Health Department during designated hours. Pickup times will be available Mondays and Wednesdays from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., along with Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:00 a.m. until noon.
Health leaders emphasized that access to donor milk can be critical for newborns who may not be able to receive adequate nutrition through traditional feeding options. Officials say the new location will help remove barriers for families needing quick and reliable access to safe donor milk products.
The Bloomington location also marks a milestone for The Milk Bank itself. The organization confirmed that this new center becomes its 24th Milk Express site operating across Indiana and the first one established in Monroe County.
“We greatly appreciate the Monroe County Health Department’s dedication to improving maternal and child health,” said Freedom Kolb, CEO of The Milk Bank. “Their Milk Express will ensure those who need access to safe donor milk in their community can access it quickly and easily. We are proud to stand alongside them to serve families in Monroe County.”
Officials are also encouraging community members interested in becoming approved milk donors to contact The Milk Bank directly or visit its website for more information about the donation process and available services.
