New Mexico programs

• We’re improving the health of babies in our state.
• Our programs support moms-to-be and professionals.
• We offer comfort to families with a newborn in intensive care.

The March of Dimes NICU Family Support Project was launched in September 2007 at Lovelace Women’s Hospital.  The NICU Family Support Project is managed by Brandy Van Pelt, MSW and she is in the NICU 20 hours per week.  She is the NICU Family Support Specialist and her role is to provide educational materials, support and parent hour classes to families that have a baby in the NICU.  Lovelace Women’s Hospital has around 800-900 admits into the NICU per year and each one of those families are touched by the NICU Family Support Project. 

There are also volunteer opportunities available with the NICU Family Support Project.  There is an volunteer committee that is made up of graduate NICU parents and hospital professionals.  This committee is the NICU Family Support Committee and this group plans all the activities for the NICU families.  The committee also plans a large NICU Reunion every September.  We also allow graduate NICU parents to volunteer in the NICU as a Parent 2 Parent volunteer.  This program allows previous NICU parents to provide support and an ear during time of NICU stay for current NICU parents.  If you are interested in any of the above activities, please e-mail Brandy Van Pelt at bvanpelt@marchofdimes.com or 505-933-6423.

Click  here to view the March of Dimes NICU Family Support 2011 Annual Report.