The Florida Department of Health (FDOH) partnered with ICU baby to fund the printing of NICU Empowerment Support Tool (NEST) materials this summer so that the program could reach more families with a baby in the NICU. The funding from the FDOH originated because of the well-documented, disproportionate weight of burdens on NICU families who experienced health disparities related to the COVID-19 pandemic. ICU baby used the funding to graphically design the NEST’s My NICU Baby Book – A Companion Journal and Guidebook – in a way that was more approachable for families.

The book connects with an online website for NICU parents and a video library, offering families access to information and resources in a variety of places. The NEST is also a tri-lingual program, with all materials produced in English, Spanish and Haitian Creole.

ICU baby hopes to continue a strong partnership with the FDOH to ensure that all families in South Florida have access to NEST.