September has arrived! While many people associate this month with the beginning of school, the falling of leaves and cooler weather, September is also National Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) month. The Hiller staff is here to explain the importance of this month as well as how the community can make a difference.
The NICU is where babies who are born sick or premature stay for anywhere from a couple of hours to multiple weeks or even months. Many infants are put into an incubator, and above them is a blue light known as a “bili light.” All of this equipment contributes to the development of each infant in order for them to grow strong enough to live healthily. This month not only brings awareness to them but also to their families who are being affected and the NICU nurses and doctors who work tirelessly to help these infants. The NICU can be a very scary time for many families, especially first-time parents or people who may not have a strong support system. Many people are unaware or uneducated about this topic, but Staff Writer John Bunner has had his own experience.
“My little brother’s friend was born three months early, and there were lots of worries about him being able to breathe on his own and functioning normally. Thankfully, it no longer affects him and he is able to live a normal life,” Bunner comments.
The NICU is always looking for support, especially during September. There are so many ways to help out.
“Community members can help by donating blankets or other comforting items to the hospital, or by sending thoughtful cards and meals to someone who currently has a child in the NICU,” suggests Arts & Entertainment Editor Katherine Drezewski.
Donating to non-profits that support NICU awareness, such as Project Sweet Pea, which is a group of volunteers who have had first-hand experiences with having children in the NICU, and dedicate their lives to providing care packages, finacial-aid and peer-to-peer support, is also a way to help during this month. Spreading information about the NICU and its purpose or donating specific items to the Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh is important as well.
Overall, it’s important to spread awareness during NICU month, in order to support families who are currently experiencing these hospital stays, and to express appreciation to the nurses who work tirelessly around the clock to provide care. Bunner, Drezewski and the rest of The Hiller staff encourage students at Trinity to make a difference and support the movement this month.
