Kohl’s donates $100,000 to Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center
Funds support a new program to help drug-addicted newborns in the NICU
Each year, dozens of babies are born to drug-addicted mothers in Jackson and Josephine counties. A two-year grant totaling $100,000 from Kohl’s will help these vulnerable infants have a better start in life.
The grant will be used to help fund a program for infants in withdrawal, a condition known as Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome, or NAS. “Children born to mothers who are addicted to opiates such as heroin or methadone are usually sent to our neonatal intensive care unit,” said Michelle Cathcart, clinical manager of Asante’s NICU. “They have tremors, tight muscles, breathing difficulties and diarrhea.”
Traditionally these babies are given anti-addiction medication, however a new method of caring that focuses on cuddling, swaddling, soothing, rocking and feeding on demand has proven to be effective. “It sounds so basic and simple, yet a recent study by Yale-New Haven Children’s Hospital found the practice to have profound effects,” Cathcart added. “It’s shown to enhance the bond between the mother and child, decrease the length of stay in the NICU, and reduce the amount of medication for the baby.”
The program includes extensive employee training in Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome; support and education for the mother; providing a “baby box” with items such as clothing, thermometers, nasal syringes and hygiene products; and the baby’s first bed and linens to help ensure it’s clean and safe.
Cathcart says NAS infants also need safe mothers’ milk. “If they can’t have milk from their mother due to her drug use, these infants will receive real mothers’ milk from the Milk Bank.” Additionally, a nurse navigator will be assigned to make sure the mom and baby have what they need to be successful throughout the time they are in the hospital.
“Without this grant from Kohl’s, we wouldn’t be able to have the NAS program for these fragile patients in our community.”
Kohl’s has donated nearly $295,000 to Asante for initiatives supported through Kohl’s Cares®. Kohl's commitment to Asante is made possible through the Kohl's Cares cause merchandise program. Through this initiative, Kohl’s sells $5 books and soft toys, where 100 percent of net profit benefits children’s initiatives nationwide, including hospital partnerships like this one. Kohl's has raised more than $317 million through this merchandise program. For more information, visit www.Kohls.com/Cares.
About Kohl’s
Kohl’s (NYSE: KSS) is a leading omnichannel retailer with more than 1,100 stores in 49 states. With a commitment to inspiring and empowering families to lead fulfilled lives, Kohl’s offers amazing national and exclusive brands, incredible savings and an easy shopping experience in our stores, online at Kohls.com and on Kohl's mobile app. Throughout its history, Kohl's has given nearly $600 million to support communities nationwide. For a list of store locations or to shop online, visit Kohls.com. For more information about Kohl’s impact in the community and how to join our winning team, visit Corporate.Kohls.com.
