Veterans Desk · Florida 501(c)(3) Nonprofit · Independent & Veteran-Built
Veterans Desk · Florida 501(c)(3) Nonprofit · Independent & Veteran-Built
Welcome to Veterans Desk, your trusted resource for connecting community-based health providers with opportunities to serve veterans and their families. This guide is designed for nonprofit human milk banks that provide pasteurized donor human milk (PDHM) by safety standards and clinical protocols. If your organization meets eligibility requirements and operates in alignment with Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA) standards, this page will help you join the VA Community Care Network (CCN).
Submit through one of the two VA CCN administrators based on your region:
Donor human milk can be lifesaving for medically fragile infants, especially those born prematurely or with complex health conditions. VA-enrolled mothers—particularly those who have experienced preterm birth, critical illness, or maternal complications—may require support through community-based milk banks.
As a milk bank provider in the VA CCN, your role may include:
Serve veterans and their newborns in need of critical nutritional support.
Receive payment through simplified billing processes managed by VA’s third-party administrators.
Work with VA clinicians, case managers, and women’s health coordinators.
Establish your milk bank as a trusted source for federal healthcare referrals.
Contribute to reducing infant morbidity and improving outcomes through donor milk access.
Help veteran families navigate one of the most complex healthcare and service systems their children will encounter — with your expertise as the guide.
Yes, when prescribed by a VA clinician and deemed medically necessary. Milk banks must be enrolled in the VA CCN for reimbursement.
VA prefers milk banks accredited by HMBANA. Banks must follow validated screening, pasteurization, and storage procedures.
Yes, as long as your facility meets all applicable interstate commerce and health safety standards and is authorized by your state health department.
Yes. Through its women’s health initiatives, the VA encourages breastfeeding and may refer patients to local education and support services, including those offered by milk banks.
Licensed Milk Banks can begin the enrollment process in the VA Community Care Network through Optum (Regions 1–3) or TriWest (Regions 4–5). Veterans Desk provides education, while the VA’s administrators handle enrollment.
