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Winner 2009 -
Becky Hatfield Family Support Award
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| To honor an individual or group who has provided substantial support to families dealing with the emotional aspects of high-risk maternal and child health. |
The NICU Parent Support Group collaboration between Chris Evert Children's Hospital and Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies of Broward
The NICU Parent Support Group, a collaboration between
CECH, BGMC and HMHB of Broward, was formed in 2005
to be a source of strength for hundreds of families
whose babies are cared for in the NICU. With funding
from the arch of Dimes to start the NICU support
group, now 5 years later the group is still extremely
successful. The facilitators of the Group have created
an opportunity for parents to creatively express their
emotions through scrapbooking. This unique outlet
allows families to more comfortably share their
experiences with others.
Many families continue attending the group well after
their infants are discharged from the hospital.
Inspired by the participating families, Elyse
Claprood; Kathy Dunbar, executive director of HMHB of
Broward; and Mary Osuch, CECH NICU manager, have
worked extensively to secure funding and support for
the Group to continue beyond the original grant.
BGMC & HMHB staff are very proud of the impact
this group has made in the lives of NICU families. The
success of this group has provided a sound foundation
for Broward General to move forward and give Patient
Family Centered Care in the unit.