March of Dimes NICU Family Support celebrates 25 years of impact

Program has supported more than 1.25 million NICU families and continues to partner with hospitals across the country to support families when they need it most

ARLINGTON, Va., Sept. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- For 25 years, March of Dimes, the nation's leading nonprofit fighting for the health of all moms and babies, has helped families navigate one of the most challenging and uncertain experiences a parent can face: having a baby admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). NICU Family Support^® provides education and resources for families while their babies are in the NICU and as they transition home, while also equipping NICU staff with tools and training to strengthen family-centered care.

More than 350,000 babies are admitted to NICUs each year, underscoring the critical need to support families experiencing a NICU journey. For parents and caregivers, a NICU admission can bring uncertainty, stress, and isolation. NICU Family Support helps them access reliable information, connect with others who understand their experience, and feel more prepared to care for themselves and their baby.

Since launching in 2001, NICU Family Support has grown to reach more than 50,000 NICU families every year. As we celebrate the program's 25th anniversary, we honor its longstanding commitment to improving the NICU experience for babies, families, and the healthcare professionals who care for them.

"Every family who enters a NICU brings their own story, fears, and hopes, and no family should have to navigate that experience alone," said Dr. Michael Warren, Chief Medical and Health Officer, March of Dimes. "For more than two decades, NICU Family Support has been there to help families feel informed, supported, and connected during an incredibly difficult time. This anniversary is an opportunity to honor the more than 1.25 million families whose journeys have shaped this program, as well as the clinicians, hospital teams, NICU Family Support Program Coordinators, volunteers, and donors who make this work possible."

Every NICU family has a unique story, but the need for support remains constant. Ramsey and Brandon Wheeler experienced that firsthand when their son, Cameron, was born unexpectedly at just 24 weeks. Weighing only 1 pound, 11 ounces, Cameron spent nearly six months in the NICU, where he underwent heart surgery, required oxygen support, and faced significant feeding challenges. During this uncertain time, March of Dimes NICU Family Support provided the Wheelers with emotional and practical resources to help them navigate the NICU experience and prepare for their transition home. Today, Cameron is a thriving, curious toddler. His story highlights the importance of specialized medical care alongside comprehensive support for families facing a NICU stay.

"Parents and caregivers are navigating an incredibly stressful and frightening time. March of Dimes is uniquely dedicated to meeting the needs of the whole family, not only the baby, during a NICU stay," said Kara Gilardi, Associate Vice President of NICU Initiatives, March of Dimes. "We provide services to support parents' mental health, education to help parents participate in the care of their baby, and connect families to resources that guide them through the NICU journey. The NICU experience is hard, and we're there to support families every step of the way."

March of Dimes remains committed to expanding access to support and improving the NICU experience for families across the country. To learn more about NICU Family Support and the 25th anniversary, visit: https://www.marchofdimes.org/our-work/nicu-family-support.

About March of Dimes

March of Dimes leads the fight for the health of all moms and babies. We support research, education, and advocacy, and provide programs and services so that every family can get the best possible start. Since 1938, we've built a successful legacy to support every pregnant person and every family. Visit marchofdimes.org for more information in multiple languages.

SOURCE March of Dimes