NATIONAL MONTH

National Neonatal Intensive Care Awareness Month – September

September is a time to raise awareness for neonatal care and support families in need.

WHEN
September each year
Roots
Established in 2004 by the American Academy of Pediatrics
Vibe
Community support for families in NICUs
Hashtag
#NationalNeonatalIntensiveCareAwarenessMonth8211September
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Fast facts

About 1In 10 infants are born prematurely in the U.S.
There are over 1,000 NICUs nationwide

The story

National Neonatal Intensive Care Awareness Month was established to raise awareness about the challenges faced by families with premature or critically ill infants. NICUs play a crucial role in providing specialized care to these vulnerable newborns, often facing conditions that require extensive medical intervention. The month of September invites individuals and communities to reflect on the importance of this care and the emotional journey that families endure during this time.

Read the full story

Each year, approximately 380,000 infants are born prematurely in the United States alone, a staggering number that highlights the necessity of NICUs. These specialized units not only provide life-saving treatments but also foster a supportive environment for parents during an incredibly difficult time. Through education and advocacy, September aims to demystify the NICU experience and promote understanding among the general public.

Throughout the month, various events and initiatives take place to honor NICU graduates, raise funds for research, and support families navigating the NICU journey. Many hospitals engage their communities by hosting open houses, educational seminars, and fundraising efforts to enhance the resources available to families. These activities not only promote awareness but also create a sense of unity among parents, healthcare professionals, and advocates.

As we observe National Neonatal Intensive Care Awareness Month, it is essential to remember that behind every statistic lies a unique story of resilience and hope. By sharing these stories and supporting NICUs, we can contribute to a larger movement that brings attention to the needs of these families and the importance of high-quality neonatal care.

Worth knowing

01

Support NICU Families

Reach out to families and offer your assistance.

02

Fundraising

Organize events to raise funds for NICU resources.

03

Educate Yourself

Learn about the NICU experience and challenges.

04

Community Outreach

Engage with your local community to support NICUs.

Did you know?

01

First NICU

The first NICU opened in 1960 at the Yale-New Haven Hospital.

02

NICU Length of Stay

The average length of stay in a NICU is 14 days.

03

Family Involvement

Most NICUs encourage parents to be involved in their infant's care.

04

Emotional Support

Many NICUs have support programs for families.

05

Technology Use

Advanced technology helps in monitoring and treating NICU infants.

06

Graduation

NICU graduates often celebrate milestones with their families.

07

Global Impact

Globally, neonatal care is a key focus of public health.

Around the world

Every culture celebrates a little differently.

  • USUnited StatesHome to thousands of NICUs serving families in need.
  • CACanadaPractical support for NICU families across the country.
  • GBUnited KingdomAdvocacy for neonatal care and awareness initiatives.
  • AUAustraliaPromoting awareness about premature births and NICUs.
  • DEGermanySupport organizations working for NICU families.
  • INIndiaIncreasing awareness surrounding neonatal care.

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