Breastmilk and Charity for Haiti

Nation's largest Human Milk group releases statement on situation in Haiti.

Woman in Haiti with her infant. UNICEF photo by Roger LeMoyne

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - The Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA) is saddened by the disastrous earthquake that struck Haiti on January 12, 2010. Our thoughts and prayers reach out to this country that now has lost so much.

Many areas have no water, electricity, housing or health care facilities. Recognizing the life saving importance of breastfeeding of infants and young children in this situation, we speak in support of protection and support of Haitian breastfeeding women.

Humanitarian efforts must continue to support the health of the mothers and their ability to breast feed in order to protect that of the young children.

To help survivors of the Haitian earthquake please donate money to the following agencies:

* UNICEF (1-800-4UNICEF)

* Direct Relief International

* Yele Haiti

* Partners in Health

* Red Cross

* World Food Programme

* Mercy Corps (1-888-256-1900)

* Save the Children

* Lambi Fund

* Doctors Without Borders

* The International Rescue Committee

* Care

The following organizations are accepting SMS donations in the US only:

* SMS text "HAITI" to 90999 to donate $10 to Red Cross relief efforts

* SMS text "YELE" to 501501 to Donate $5 to Yele Haiti's Earthquake Relief efforts

In order to support HMBANA's state of readiness to provide donor milk to UNICEF, the Red Cross, WHO or other international organizations involved on the front lines, contact your nearest HMBANA bank (found at HMBANA.org) and become a donor so that they will have the needed processed donor milk on hand.

Source: The Board of Directors and Staff of HMBANA