St. Cloud Hospital Lights Up Pink and Blue for Premature Babies

St. Cloud, Minn. – Every year, 15 million babies are born too soon. In fact, premature birth is the No. 1 cause of death in children under age 5. In recognition of Prematurity Awareness Month, we will light up the arches in front of St. Cloud Hospital with pink and blue lights Nov. 2-6.

The Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at St. Cloud Hospital cares for the tiniest and sickest of infants in Central Minnesota. The 30-bed unit features state-of-the-art private and semi-private rooms in a highly specialized, yet intimate environment. It partners with the March of Dimes on a NICU Family Support Program. The program:

• Assists families with their hospital stay and transition home
• Contributes to NICU staff professional development
• Promotes the philosophy of family-centered care

The March of Dimes supports hospital efforts to end non-medically necessary deliveries before 39 weeks of gestation. Full term pregnancies are best for moms and babies.