Surrounded by the BRMC Hospital Board, Senior Leadership Team, Baxter Regional Hospital Foundation Board, physicians, staff and community members on the morning of July 17, Foundation Board Chairman Steven Sanders Jr. proudly welcomed everyone to the official kick off to the "Building for Babies" capital campaign for the renovation of the Women and Newborn Care Center located on the second floor of the hospital.

The Foundation Board-approved $2 million campaign will enable the Women and Newborn Care Center to continue to be the regionandrsquo;s leader in providing healthcare to our tiniest patient and their families. In order to better serve the growing needs of these patients and to prepare for the new state recommendations and mandates, the Women and Newborn Care Center must undergo upgrades and enhancements.

BRMC Chief Operating Officer Rudy Darling laid out to the public the plans for the renovation and the process involved in this venture. andldquo;The nursery will double in size and will include 10 Level 2 nursery beds as well as additional rooms for mother and baby care,” said Darling. BRMC Chief Nursing Officer and VP/Patient Care Services Cathy Hamel, MSN, RN, NEA-BC commented on the enhanced care for the patient. She said that as a Level 2 nursery, BRMC is equipped to provide special care for babies born at 34 weeks gestation to full term.

Hospital Board Chairman Ted Sanders complimented the community on their support of projects throughout the past 50 years. As a nonprofit medical center, BRMC relies on contributions from our community to assist with expansions and enhancements.

Ron Peterson, President and CEO of Baxter Regional, went on to explain to the audience andldquo;that since 2006, more than 5,000 babies have been born at BRMC. We are also proud to be designated as a Level 2 Neonatal Intensive Care with the statewide ANGELS program.” The new unit will increase BRMC’s capacity as a teaching hospital through the University of Arkansas For Medical Sciences Antenatal & Neonatal Guidelines, Education and Learning System (ANGELS). Peterson continued to say the renovated facilities will provide additional rooms to allow mothers and babies to stay together throughout labor, delivery and recovery. Our one-room concept promotes a family-centered process and allows parents to participate immediately in the care of the newborn.

Leading the physician charge in showing support for the Building for Babies Campaign was Dr. Harley Barrow, OB/Gyn. andldquo;The physicians and nurses working in the Women and Newborn Care Center are committed to doing what is best for our patients and we all support this project wholeheartedly,” said Barrow. “Having the support of the community will be an important part of this renovation,” he continued.

Baxter Regional Hospital Foundation Executive Director and BRMC VP/Business Development Barney Larry introduced John Dyess, Baxter Regional Hospital Foundation Board Member and Major Gifts Committee Chair. andldquo;Through the community’s support for the Building for Babies campaign, BRMC will be able to advance the care and services provided to newborns and their families,” Dyess stated.

Last March at the Baxter Regional Hospital Foundation Donor Banquet, the BRMC Auxiliary presented a $500,000 pledge to show their support for this capital campaign. Auxiliary president Paul Mruk enthusiastically reiterated the volunteersand#39; continued support and commitment to this project.

Larry asked the community to support the renovations and upgrades costing $2 million dollars to help advance the care for women and newborns at BRMC. andldquo;As a nonprofit medical enter, BRMC relies on your support to assist with expansions and enhancements to the hospital. Your tax deductible contribution will help make this community-wide effort to keep BRMC at the forefront of healthcare for women, moms and babies,” stated Larry.

Outlining the capital campaign, Estella Tullgren, Baxter Regional Hospital Foundation Executive Major Gifts Officer, announced the many giving opportunities for the newly renovated Women and Newborn Care Center. Included will be a new nursery, waiting room, 10 labor and delivery rooms, postpartum rooms, recovery room, physiciansandrsquo; lounge, nurses’ lounge, and triage exam rooms. “One of the most exciting parts of this campaign will be a Donor Wall of Honor and you’ll be hearing more about this as the plans are finalized,” said Tullgren.

This $2 million effort is the Foundation’s largest-ever capital campaign, and work is estimated to be completed in December. For more information on how YOU can be part of this 2013-14 Building for Babies Capital Campaign, email foundation@baxterregional.org, or call the Baxter Regional Hospital Foundation at 870-508-1770.