Nurses and doctors in the Maternal Child Health department make caring connections with their patients daily. They work together to support new moms, their partner and baby.
Sadly, there are times when patients receive news about a terminal diagnosis or experience the death of a baby. This is one of the most devastating experiences a family can go through.
Kaiser Permanente Fresno partners with the Angel Babies program offered through Hinds Hospice. Angel Babies provides support to mothers and families who have experienced an infant loss or whose unborn child has been diagnosed with a terminal condition.
In 2020, the Maternal Child Health nurses and doctors wanted to do more to help support this program and our patients.
Led by Staff Nurse IV Jennifer Wong, RN, Kaiser Permanente Fresno Maternal Child Health nurses formed the Healing Hearts team and participated in the Angel Babies Walk/Run raising over $2,500.
The spirit of community volunteerism continues to grow over the years with Healing Hearts team members coordinating bake sales, silent auctions and donations for Angel Babies. Kaiser Permanente Fresno now supports the walk/run event with a sponsorship.
This year, Healing Hearts was recognized as the top team contributor with $5,000 in donations. Led by co-captains Wong and Staff Nurse IV Geri Larson, RN, Kaiser Permanente Fresno nurses, physicians, friends, and family walked together in support of local mothers and families.
This spirit of community giving is evident through many other outreach and participation efforts in local projects or events:
- Alzheimer’s Association – Walk to End Alzheimer’s
- American Heart Association – Heart & Stroke Walk
- Clovis Trail Fest – Nurses provided blood pressure screenings and stroke education
- Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) – Towel donation drive for foster youth
- Fresno County Breastfeeding Coalition – Breastfeeding Walk and Celebration
- Holiday Fill-A-Stocking Donation Drive – Supports vulnerable seniors
- Poverello House and Central California Food Bank – Emergency Department turkey drive