NICU Campaign - Funding Priorities

The new Drs. Rouben and Violet Jiji Neonatal Intensive Care Unit transforms the way we care for our tiniest and most fragile patients by seamlessly integrating leading-edge technology and family-centered care in a healing environment.  We invite you to learn more about these initiatives.

Facilities and Equipment

Our physicians, researchers and nurses practice in an advanced facility that is truly representative of the level of excellence of UMCH. The expansion has tripled the footprint of the NICU in the Children’s Hospital, expanding to 37,612 square feet located all on one floor.

Key features of the new space include larger, private rooms (52 total) specially designed for the unique medical needs and sensitivities of premature and critically-ill infants. Of equal importance, private rooms allow families to more comfortably practice techniques such as Kangaroo Care (skin-to-skin contact) that promote bonding during this critical period.

Having a baby in the NICU is a challenging and often life-changing experience and the impact on families is deeply profound. Family-centered amenities include overnight accommodations for parents, kitchen and shower facilities and dedicated activity space for siblings to help ease the burden of travel and encourage parents to be partners in caring for their babies as often as possible.

In keeping with UMMC’s dedication to providing an optimal environment of care, the NICU is designed to meet LEED-Silver specifications. Special lighting and sound controls in each room and in common areas also facilitate and promote decreased levels of stress for patients, families and caregivers.

Private Rooms

Each NICU private room gives a family the privacy and space they need to bond with their baby during this critical time. The rooms are fully customized to meet each baby’s delicate needs, from adjustable lighting to regulate circadian rhythms to the utilization of sounds to mimic the womb.

Family Lounge

The Family Lounge provides a space for siblings of NICU babies to play and relax in a comforting environment, while also accommodating families who are often staying at the hospital day-in and day-out.  It's been designed to be a “home away from home” for families with amenities such as a waiting area, fully equipped kitchen, and designated bathrooms with shower capacity. The Family Lounge elevates the family-centered nature of our facility to a new level.

Themed “Neighborhoods”

Five distinct "neighborhoods" provide a sense of community for patients and families within the NICU. Each area's design reflects a theme that promotes healing and a comforting environment.

Innovation, Discovery and Education

The Pediatric Innovation Fund allows our physicians, residents and junior faculty to conduct pioneering research in the field of neonatology. The application of these discoveries will have a profound and lasting impact on our patients. For example, current research in the Division of Neonatology is focused on improving children’s health by promoting healthy pregnancies, preventing birth defects and developing strategies to improve the outcome of neonates admitted to the NICU. Since UMCH physicians provide education and training for the majority of pediatric physicians practicing in Maryland today, discoveries made here have an impact far beyond our own NICU.

Your Gift Will Make a Difference

A number of giving opportunities are available at all levels, including naming opportunities (beginning at $25,000) within the new NICU.  Gifts to the campaign may be designated to specific program areas.

To explore ways your gift can support the NICU campaign, or for more information on naming opportunities, please call 410-328-4347 or click on the button below to donate today.