Quality Care for Medically Fragile Infants

FIRST 5 has supported the purchase of giraffe beds, which provide premature infants with controlled, stress reduced environments, similar to the mother’s womb.

FIRST 5 supported the implementation of the Total Body cooling program, a life-saving technology that benefits infants have been deprived of oxygen at birth.

FIRST 5 supports implementation of the NICU Family-Centered Care Program which provides families with personalized support from a Family Baby Advocate and Family Support Specialist. These staff attend health care appointments with families, provide communication regarding treatments and procedures, and facilitate support groups and reflection activities.  The program also supports emergency Assistance for low income families, including meal and transportation vouchers and bereavement support

FIRST 5 invests in a program that supports babies exposed to substances, with special emphasis on exposure to opiates, including prescription medications such as methadone and illicit substances such as heroin. This program works to refer mothers to community-based support programs and to closely monitor and provide appropriate care for their babies.