Broward Health Coral Springs Lactation Consultant Nichole Salisbury, RN, was one of 11 women recognized as a 2022 March of Dimes South Florida Women of Distinction Honoree at a recent awards luncheon at Signature Grand in Davie.
“It was truly an honor to be recognized by the March of Dimes for our efforts here in Coral Springs. I could never have launched this bank for our community without the support of our administration and leadership team,” said Salisbury. “They believed in me and in the importance of providing breastmilk for the long-term health of babies.”
During the COVID pandemic, Salisbury, an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), jump-started the successful new Broward Milk Bank Depot program. In coordination with the Mothers’ Milk Bank of Florida, the program now provides lactation support to hundreds of new mothers and babies through the Broward Health system.
In just a short time, Salisbury’s Milk Bank Depot program collected more than 23,000 ounces of breast milk from approved donors who drop off their supplemental milk at the hospital. A courier then rushes the milk in frozen coolers to the Orlando-based Milk Bank, which in turn sends it to hospitals statewide for premature babies whose own mothers can’t produce milk because of sickness or stress.
Salisbury also established free ongoing outpatient support for mothers to come in person for one-on-one counseling, allowing her to spend more time with each one and screen for potential problems that might need immediate treatment, such as feeding concerns and post-partum depression.
Salisbury was joined by a distinguished slate of female innovators, influencers, entrepreneurs and community stewards who have made significant professional achievements or philanthropic contributions toward the goal of giving mothers and babies the healthiest possible start in life.
Since its inception, more than 260 South Florida women have been named “Women of Distinction.” Each year, honorees are selected by a committee of past recipients and community leaders who review applications from women who work in nonprofits, businesses, universities and other organizations throughout the metropolitan area.
March of Dimes is a leader in health advocacy for mothers and babies, supporting research, leading programs and providing education and advocacy so that every baby can have the best possible start.
