OUR PROGRAM
Quality Care for Medically Fragile Infants
FIRST 5 has partnered with the Santa Clara Valley Medical Center (SCVMC) for over 10 years to provide family-centered and technologically advanced care for premature and other babies admitted into the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). FIRST 5 supports these infants and their families by investing in:
Giraffe Beds
FIRST 5 has supported the purchase of giraffe beds, which provide premature infants with controlled, stress reduced environments, similar to the mother’s womb.
Total Body Cooling Program
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.
The Family-Centered Care Program
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
Infants Exposed to Substances
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.