The March of Dimes Georgia Chapter is pleased to announce three new programs designed to support families with a baby in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and promote family-centered care within the hospital. The NICU Family Support® Program, NICU Family Support Centers and NICU Bedside Reading Program are part of the March of Dimes Prematurity Campaign.
NICU Family Support® Program
NICU Family Support® Program is a comprehensive programmed designed to:
• provide information and comfort to NICU families during the NICU hospitalization of their newborn, the transition home, and in the event of a newborn death;
• contribute to NICU staff professional development;
• promote the philosophy of family-centered-care through the NICU.
NICU Family Support® Program includes the following components:
• On-site Part-Time NICU Family Support Specialist
• Parent-Staff Action Committee
• Parent Care Kits
• 2-3 Customized Programs
• 6-9 Direct Service Activities
• Parent-to-Parent Support
• Professional Development
• Evaluation
The March of Dimes Georgia Chapter is proud to support two NICU Family Support® Program sites. In January 2006, the March of Dimes announced the launch of a NICU Family Support® Program at Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah (for more information, click here.) Similarly, in November 2006, the March of Dimes announced the launch of a NICU Family Support® Program at Atlanta Medical Center in Atlanta (for more information, click here.)
NICU Family Support® Center
The NICU Family Support Center is a joint service between the local March of Dimes chapter and a hospital NICU. The Center consists of a computer with controlled internet access and sensitive and engaging print materials designed to help make the NICU experience more manageable for families.
The March of Dimes Georgia Chapter is proud to support Centers in three sites – Columbus Regional Medical Center in Columbus, MCG Health, Inc. in Augusta, and Northside Hospital in Atlanta.
NICU Bedside Reading Program
The soothing sound of a parent’s voice is important in establishing the parent-infant relationship. Through supplying hospitals with books to place in the NICU, the NICU Bedside Reading Program allows parents to read to their baby while in the NICU as well as to big brothers and big sisters. The NICU Bedside Reading Program enhances the family’s experience in the NICU and promotes crucial bonding within the family.
The March of Dimes Georgia Chapter has provided NICU Bedside Reading Programs to 32 hospitals across the state. Click here to view a list of participating hospitals.
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