INDIANA – A powerful initiative is underway to provide vital support to families experiencing the profound loss of an infant. The Maternal and Child Health Division is partnering with The Milk Bank to expand the reach of their “Lactation after Loss” program, which offers bereavement kits, support groups, and comprehensive wraparound services to grieving families across Indiana.
Recognizing the critical role of healthcare providers in connecting families with these essential resources, the initiative is seeking the support of 100 dedicated professionals. The goal is to equip these providers with free resource kits, enabling them to offer empathetic support and crucial referrals at the very moment a family faces the devastating impact of infant loss on their mental health.
Rose R. Douglass, MPA, CLS, Director of the Maternal and Child Health Division, is urging her network of maternal and child health leaders to champion this effort. “We know that families are more likely to access services when they receive a trusted referral at the moment of need,” Douglass stated. “Your message to your networks, listservs, and distribution lists can make a significant difference in ensuring bereaved families receive the compassionate support they deserve.”
Healthcare providers are encouraged to request a free resource kit through the following link.
The resource kits are designed to empower providers to approach bereaved families with sensitivity and offer immediate information about the available support services.
For any additional questions about the “Lactation after Loss” initiative or the resource kits, interested parties can contact Milk Bank CEO Freedom Kolb directly at this email.
The Bereavement and Infant Loss program is made possible through the generous support of a 2024 Kicking The Stigma Action Grant. This initiative was created by the Indianapolis Colts and the Jim Irsay family to increase awareness about mental health challenges and eliminate the stigma associated with mental illness. This funding underscores the critical link between infant loss and the subsequent mental health needs of grieving families.
The call to action is clear: Maternal and Child Health Leaders are invited to play a pivotal role in extending a lifeline of support to families navigating the unimaginable pain of infant loss. By sharing this opportunity and encouraging healthcare providers to request resource kits, they can help ensure that bereaved families receive timely, empathetic care and access the vital services offered through The Milk Bank’s “Lactation after Loss” program.
