Fundraising campaign to fund technology for newborns
Contact:
Shawn Neisteadt
Sanford Health Media Relations
605-366-2432 / shawn.neisteadt@sanfordhealth.org
@SanfordShawnN
SIOUX FALLS, S.D., July 24, 2020 — A new $2.2 million fundraising campaign will help expand and enhance care for all babies born at Sanford Health, including critically ill and premature infants.
One hundred percent of funds raised through the Sanford Health Foundation’s Sweet Dreams campaign will provide 45 new Giraffe OmniBeds and 33 new Panda Warmers to give infants at Sanford Children’s Boekelheide NICU and The Birth Place at Sanford USD Medical Center the best chance to thrive.
“Our NICU provides the very highest standard of care today, but technology changes fast,” said Kristen Zueger, Sanford Health Foundation executive director. “We need to invest now to meet the needs of tomorrow and ensure every infant benefits from the most state-of-the-art equipment possible for years to come.”
Funds will also purchase a new NICVIEW camera system so that parents, siblings and relatives can stay connected to their newborn at all times.
“Philanthropy has always played a strong role in supporting our patients at Sanford Health,” Zueger said. “I know our community will continue to rally around this special place of hope and healing for our youngest, most vulnerable patients, their families and caregivers.”
About the lifesaving equipment
Giraffe OmniBed: Designed to mimic a mother’s womb, the Giraffe OmniBed surrounds critically ill and premature babies in a carefully controlled environment optimal for growth. The Giraffe OmniBed allows caregivers to perform lifesaving procedures while minimizing harmful movement. Every baby who enters the NICU spends at least 24 hours in the healing embrace of a Giraffe OmniBed.
Panda Warmer: Even full-term and healthy babies can struggle to regulate their body temperature. By providing direct, comfortable heat, the Panda Warmer helps newborns transition after birth. Every infant born at Sanford feels this warmth while they are weighed, dried, measured, bathed and assessed for health concerns.
NICVIEW camera system: Bonding between parents and new babies is as important in the NICU as it is at home. The NICVIEW camera system allows families to grow that bond, even when they cannot be by their little one’s side. With secure video streaming available around the clock, family members can virtually visit baby anytime, anywhere.
Stats from The Birth Place and Boekelheide NICU at Sanford USD Medical Center
- Up to 3,500 babies are born at The Birth Place each year. Of those, more than 17 percent require a stay in the Boekelheide NICU.
- More than 9,000 babies have been cared for in the Boekelheide NICU over the last 10 years, with over than 20% of them coming from other regional facilities.
- Babies spend an average 17 days in the Boekelheide NICU with stays ranging from 24 hours to more than 365 days.
- The smallest baby to graduate the Boekelheide NICU was born at just 21 weeks and 4 days gestation, joining the more than 98 percent of Boekelheide NICU patients who graduate and go on to have healthy lives.
For more information about the Sweet Dreams campaign, visit sanfordhealthfoundation.org/sweetdreams.
About Sanford Health
Sanford Health, one of the largest health systems in the United States, is dedicated to the integrated delivery of health care, genomic medicine, senior care and services, global clinics, research and affordable insurance. Headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the organization includes 44 hospitals, 1,400 physicians and more than 200 Good Samaritan Society senior care locations in 26 states and nine countries. Nearly $1 billion in gifts from philanthropist Denny Sanford have transformed how Sanford Health improves the human condition. For information, visit sanfordhealth.org.
