Mary Greeley Foundation Receives Grant from Variety – the Children's Charity

Ames, Iowa – Mary Greeley Medical Center has received a $67,500 grant from Variety-the Children's Charity. 

The grant will fund the purchase of four Carescape B450 monitors. The advanced monitoring equipment will enhance care provided in the Birthways and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

"These monitors are vital for our Panda Warmers, providing real-time monitoring of vital signs like blood pressure, heart rate readings, and oxygen levels," said Stacy Peterson, BSN RNC-OB, director of Mary Greeley Maternal Child Services.

The Panda Warmers, which were purchased with a Variety—the Children’s Charity grant in 2021, are used to immediately warm a baby after birth as the delivery team assesses the infant. The special warming properties allow the baby to stay unclothed and unwrapped so the team can easily perform the evaluation. Upgrading to the B450 monitors will allow for more efficient collection of critical safety data for every newborn. 

"These monitors go beyond basic monitoring,” said Peterson. “They can create alerts sent to Birthways and NICU staff iPhones, allowing nurses to respond quickly and decisively. This enhanced mobility and data-sharing capability are crucial in providing the best in care to our newborns."

Peterson added that “the upgrade will benefit newborns, parents, and our dedicated Birthways and NICU staff. Newborns, especially the most vulnerable, will receive advanced care. Parents will have a seamless experience in our LDRP/NICU suites, in close contact with their child throughout their stay. Additionally, using a consistent monitoring system on the unit will enhance the efficiency of care delivered by our care team.” 

Peterson is grateful for the support from Variety—the Children’s Charity.

"This grant significantly contributes to our ongoing efforts to provide the highest quality care to newborns and their families,” she said. “We are immensely thankful for this generous support and our ongoing partnership." 

About Variety – the Children’s Charity of Iowa

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. Grant funding is provided to programs and initiatives that directly impact the well-being of children in our community. For more information on Variety grants and programs please visit varietyiowa.com.