Mary Greeley Medical Center Awarded $121,000 from Variety - the Children’s Charity
(Ames, Iowa) – Mary Greeley Medical Center has been awarded $121,000 from Variety - the Children’s Charity to provide critical equipment for the new state-of-the-art Family Care Center, scheduled to open in the Fall of 2021.
The grant will fund Panda Warmers for the new Mary Greeley Birthways labor, delivery, recovery, postpartum (LDRP) suites, using an innovative design that will include neonatal intensive care capabilities in every suite. Panda Warmers are utilized with all newborns needing a higher level of care to regulate their temperature and take vital measurements.
“It is extremely stressful for families to be separated from their baby needing care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU.) Because of Variety’s generosity, we are able to purchase additional Panda Warmers for our new combined Birthways/NICU suites,” said Amy Dagestad, Maternal/Child Services Director at Mary Greeley Medical Center. “This new approach will provide the ability for mom and baby to stay together, no matter the level of care baby needs. This innovative care concept will benefit the babies and mothers in our care.”
“We are grateful for Variety’s generous support of the most precious patients we serve, the more than 1200 babies born at Mary Greeley each year,” said Melissa McGarry, Mary Greeley Foundation Executive Director. “Their dedication to serving the children of Iowa is remarkable and we so are appreciative of our longstanding partnership.”
Mary Greeley Birthways, including a Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, has been recognized as a Blue Distinction Center+ for Maternity Care and is the only obstetrics program in central Iowa to earn a Baby Friendly designation. Families in the community have access to high quality care provided by well-trained professionals that take a very personal approach.
Variety - the Children’s Charity is dedicated to improving the lives of children who are underprivileged, at-risk, critically ill or living with special needs. Funding is provided to programs and initiatives that directly impact the well-being of children. For more information on Variety grants and programs please visit varietyiowa.com.
