Philadelphia – A local nonprofit is bringing families and health‑care professionals together to tackle inequities in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) treatment. Once Upon a Preemie, founded by mother Jennee Johns after her own child arrived 14 weeks early, is hosting its fifth‑annual Black Maternal Health and Neonatal Quality Conference next Tuesday, which also marks World Prematurity Day.
Mission rooted in personal experience
“Unfortunately, some of the care that moms and families receive when they’re in the NICU isn’t equal, and we want to ensure that families receive care that is filled with respect,” Johns said. Her organization draws on her personal journey and the stark national statistics that 1 in 7 babies born to Black mothers are premature, according to the March of Dimes.
Training and partnership efforts
Since its inception, Once Upon a Preemie has trained roughly 5,000 health‑care workers across the country on culturally competent, family‑centered NICU practices. The nonprofit recently partnered with Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, funded by a grant from the William Penn Foundation, to launch a “Read to My Preemie” program. The initiative encourages parents to bond with their infants through reading, supporting early childhood development and literacy even before discharge.
Conference details
The upcoming conference will feature speakers such as Action News reporter Sharifa Jackson, as well as clinicians, doulas, and parents who have navigated NICU stays. Sessions will focus on reducing racial disparities, improving communication between families and medical teams, and sharing best practices for respectful care. Attendees will also learn practical tools for supporting families’ emotional and spiritual needs during what can be a stressful hospital experience.
Why the conference matters for Philadelphia families
Philadelphia’s diverse population makes the city a microcosm of the national challenge. By convening local providers alongside national experts, the conference aims to translate research into actionable change within the city’s hospitals and community health centers. Organizers hope the event will inspire hospitals to adopt policies that prioritize equity, parental involvement, and culturally sensitive care.
Looking ahead
Once Upon a Preemie plans to expand its training programs and develop additional resources for families, including multilingual guides and faith‑based support networks. The organization’s broader goal is to ensure that every newborn, regardless of race or background, receives the highest standard of care in the NICU and a respectful welcome into the world.
Original reporting: Allentown News – 6abc Philadelphia — read the source article.
