## Virtual NICU Mental Health Conference Offers Support and Education for Families and Professionals
AUSTIN, Texas, October 17, 2024
– Hand to Hold, a national nonprofit dedicated to providing mental health support for Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) parents and bereaved families, is gearing up for its annual virtual National NICU Mental Health Conference. Scheduled forNovember 6-7, 2024
, this event stands out as the only conference in the U.S. that brings together NICU parents and professionals under one virtual roof, fostering a sense of community and shared understanding.Addressing the Unique Challenges of NICU Families
The conference, sponsored by Huggies® Healthcare™ and Mead Johnson Nutrition, recognizes the unique challenges faced by NICU families. Premature babies often grapple with long-term medical challenges and developmental delays, while their parents are at a higher risk for Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) and PTSD. This virtual platform allows NICU professionals and parents caring for medically fragile infants to participate from anywhere, making essential resources accessible to a wider audience.
Empowering Families and Professionals Through Education and Support
Kelli Kelley, Hand to Hold’s Founder and CEO, and herself a NICU graduate parent, emphasizes the critical need for support and resources for families navigating the NICU journey. She explains, “While NICU admission rates are rising, it’s encouraging to see more preterm babies surviving due to advancements in care. Our mission is to ensure families have the support, education, and resources to navigate this challenging experience and its potential long-term impacts. By working alongside families and their caregivers, we aim to improve outcomes for NICU babies.”
A Focus on Mental Health and Wellbeing
The conference will feature leading experts in the field, delving into crucial mental health themes, including:
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Health equity:
Addressing disparities in access to care and support for diverse families.*
Burnout and self-care:
Providing strategies for professionals to manage stress and prioritize their well-being.*
Trauma-informed care:
Recognizing the impact of trauma on families and providing sensitive and supportive care.*
Grief and loss:
Offering resources and guidance for parents dealing with the loss of a baby.Keynote Speakers: Voices of Experience and Advocacy
The conference will feature impactful keynote speakers, including:
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Benjamin Rattray, DO, MBA, CPE, FAAP:
A neonatologist and medical director of Neonatal Intensive Care, Dr. Rattray offers firsthand insights into the complexities of the NICU environment. He is the author of “When All Becomes New: A Doctor’s Stories of Life, Love, and Loss,” a book that explores the intersection of empathy, faith, and the privilege of supporting families in times of crisis.*
Mia Malcolm, BS, CDFT:
A NICU mom and EDIB expert, Mia Malcolm brings a powerful personal perspective to the conversation. Her journey began when her son, Gavin, was born at 24 weeks and spent 268 days in the NICU. Mia co-authored research on racism in neonatal care and serves on various committees focused on equity, diversity, and inclusion, advocating for the voices of underserved families.Recognizing NICU Heroes
During the conference, Hand to Hold will honor individuals and units who have demonstrated exceptional family-centered care. The 2024 NICU Hero Individual Award will be presented to Dr. Sue Hall, a retired neonatologist and author of “For the Love of Babies.” The Unit Award will go to El Camino Health, a level III NICU in Silicon Valley, California.
Continuing Education and Free Registration for Parents
Continuing education credits will be offered for NICU professionals. The conference is free for participating NICU parents. To register or learn more about the conference agenda, visit [link to registration website].
About Hand to Hold
Hand to Hold is a national nonprofit 501(c)(3) dedicated to providing personalized emotional support, educational resources, and community for families before, during, and after a NICU stay or the loss of a baby. Their services, provided at no cost to families, are designed to address the emotional, physical, and social needs of NICU parents. Through a hybrid model of in-person and virtual support in English and Spanish, Hand to Hold is removing barriers to access essential services. Their mental health support staff is composed of NICU graduate and bereaved parents with specialized training.
About Huggies® Brand
For over 40 years, Huggies® has been committed to providing loving care for babies. From developing innovative everyday products to partnering with NICU nurses to create a special diaper and wipes line for the most fragile babies, Huggies® is dedicated to ensuring all babies receive the care they need to thrive. The brand is proud to be the founding sponsor of the National Diaper Bank Network and a national sponsor of Hand to Hold.
About Mead Johnson Nutrition/Reckitt
Mead Johnson Nutrition (MJN)/Reckitt combines cutting-edge research, scientific partnerships, and a commitment to the highest quality and nutritional standards. Their Enfa portfolio and innovations are trusted by parents and healthcare professionals worldwide to support growing families at every stage of development.