Nashville Innovates to Support NICU Families
Nashville, Tennessee, a city known for its vibrant music scene and Southern hospitality, is also taking steps to help parents with newborns in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). As many families may sadly know, having a baby in the NICU can be an emotional rollercoaster. Parents often find themselves feeling helpless and disconnected during a time when they just want to be close to their little ones. This is where a local company is stepping in to make a significant difference.
AngelEye Health: Bridging the Gap
AngelEye Health is a Nashville-based company dedicated to creating a sense of connection between parents and their newborns who are receiving critical care in NICUs across the United States. With their innovative technology, which includes live video cameras, sensor technology, and milk trackers, AngelEye is providing invaluable resources to over 250 NICUs nationwide. This way, parents can have a sense of security, knowing they can keep an eye on their babies, even when they can’t be physically present.
Christopher Rand, the CEO of AngelEye Health, emphasizes the importance of this support system. “It’s heart-wrenching when parents are unable to be at their baby’s bedside due to constraints like work or other family issues. Our technology allows them to feel more connected and less afraid,” he shared.
Raising Awareness: The Emotional Toll
However, the work doesn’t stop at technology. AngelEye Health is also dedicated to raising awareness about the emotional struggles that come with preterm births. Did you know that about half of NICU parents experience clinically significant levels of depression, anxiety, and trauma? Rand highlights this alarming fact, stating, “It’s crucial for society to understand what these families go through.” In fact, a staggering one-third of NICU moms report having suicidal thoughts. This pressing issue showcases the critical need for emotional and psychological support for these families.
To combat these struggles, AngelEye Health is actively encouraging donations to organizations like the March of Dimes, which is devoted to improving the health of mothers and babies. The funds raised are used for important research, education, and support initiatives aimed at helping families navigate through these challenging roads.
Join the Fight: Upcoming Event
If you want to lend a helping hand, there’s an exciting opportunity coming right up! The March of Dimes will hold their annual “Champion of the Year” fundraising event on November 21st at The City Winery. This event will not only raise funds to support NICU families but also build a community of support among parents and healthcare professionals. It’s a wonderful chance to come together for a vital cause and show these families they’re not alone.
To get involved, consider attending the event and showing your support for families facing the challenges of having a newborn in the NICU. It’s an excellent way to meet others who care about this important issue while contributing to a brighter future for mothers and babies everywhere.
Looking Ahead
Nashville is setting an incredible example by focusing on the emotional and technological needs of families in the NICU. As AngelEye Health continues its mission to build connections, fight stigma, and create awareness, we can all play a part in supporting these brave families during their toughest moments. So let’s rally together as a community and make a positive impact on the lives of those who need it the most.
