Bronson Mothers’ Milk Bank Honored with State Tribute
Rep. Rogers recognizes 20 years of supporting babies, families and hospitals
Bronson Mothers’ Milk Bank was honored by the State of Michigan during a ceremony at Bronson Methodist Hospital, recognizing nearly 20 years of service to babies, families and hospitals in Michigan and across the country.
The ceremony brought together state, clinical and family perspectives to highlight the lifesaving role donor milk can play in early infant care.
State Rep. Julie M. Rogers, D-Kalamazoo, presented the tribute to milk donors and recipients, milk bank team members and Bronson leaders.
State Rep. Julie M. Rogers, Lindsay Starks and Bill Manns display a State of Michigan tribute recognizing Bronson Mothers' Milk Bank's nearly 20 years of service.
Since opening in 2006, Bronson Mothers’ Milk Bank has received more than 3.6 million ounces of donated milk and now provides safe, screened and pasteurized donor human milk to more than 23 hospitals nationwide. The milk supports medically vulnerable infants when a mother’s own milk is not available.
Rogers, a physical therapist, spoke about the importance of removing barriers to care. She introduced and helped pass legislation that made it easier for donor mothers to give, including eliminating a requirement for HIV testing every three months.
“Thank you to the dedicated staff, donor mothers and families, health care providers, and partners who have made this work possible for two decades,” said Rogers. “Your impact on babies and families here in Michigan and across the country is truly worth celebrating.”
Bronson leaders said the milestone reflects the commitment of donor mothers, bereaved donor families, milk bank staff, nurses, lactation consultants, care teams and partner hospitals.
“For 20 years, Bronson Mothers’ Milk Bank has helped ensure medically vulnerable babies have access to safe, screened and pasteurized donor human milk when they need it most,” said Lindsay Starks, manager of Bronson Mothers’ Milk Bank. “Behind every donation is a careful process, a committed team and a family placing trust in us during a tender time.”
“Since opening in 2006 as Michigan’s first nonprofit milk bank, Bronson Mothers’ Milk Bank has grown into a trusted resource for hospitals, care teams and families,” said Kim Hatchel, senior vice president and chief operating officer for Bronson Methodist Hospital.
Bill Manns, president and CEO of Bronson, thanked Rogers for her support of rural health care and said the milk bank reflects what donors, families, care teams, community partners and advocates can accomplish together for medically vulnerable babies.
Families Share Impact of Donor Milk
For Karen Copenhafer, donor milk became part of her family’s story after her daughter, Grace, was born by emergency C-section in January. When Copenhafer’s milk did not come in right away, donor milk supported Grace’s first feedings.
After returning to work, Copenhafer continued using donor milk to supplement her supply, first through the Bronson gift shop and later directly through the milk bank.
“Working does not always allow me the time to feed and pump what she needs,” Copenhafer said. “It’s wonderful not to worry about where the next meal is going to come from.”
Hannah Williamsen has experienced the program from both sides. Her oldest daughter, Eleanor, now 3, received donor milk in her first days as a premature baby. Williamsen now donates her extra milk to help other babies and families.
She continues to donate through a Bronson milk bank depot closer to home while caring for her youngest daughter, 11-month-old Lydia.
Sara Noppen, experience insights and analytics coordinator for Bronson Healthcare Group, said she knew about the milk bank through her work at Bronson but gained a deeper appreciation for its mission when she became a donor.
“As a donor, one of my favorite parts was receiving emails letting me know where my milk had been shipped,” Noppen said. “Being a local donor also gave me the opportunity to drop off milk at the facility, where photos and stories of recipient families are displayed.”
Seeing the families served by the milk bank and learning where her milk was sent made the experience especially meaningful, she said.
Their stories reflect the milk bank’s mission: connecting families with safe donor milk during some of the earliest and most vulnerable moments of a baby’s life.
Bronson Mothers' Milk Bank team members and hospital leaders gather following a State of Michigan tribute ceremony recognizing the milk bank
The recognition comes as Bronson celebrates 125 years of caring for the community, underscoring the partnerships among donors, families, clinicians and community leaders that make the milk bank’s work possible.
