Every month, we have the honor of donating to a different NICU through our Nominate-a-NICU program. This initiative invites families and community members to share their personal NICU journeys and nominate hospitals that made a meaningful impact during one of the most critical moments in their lives.
Not only have we been able to help NICUs all over the country, but we’ve also been able to help the NICUs that mean the most to you. With many nominations from our community members and personal stories of exemplary care, Avera Children’s Hospital has been chosen as our February NICU.
About Avera Children’s Hospital
Located within Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Avera Children’s Hospital is dedicated to providing specialized care tailored to the unique needs of infants and children.
The hospital offers a comprehensive range of pediatric specialties, including:
- Cardiology
- Endocrinology
- Gastroenterology
- Infectious disease
- Neonatology
- Nephrology
- Neurology
- Orthopedics
- Pulmonology and sleep medicine
These services ensure that newborns receive expert, individualized care from highly trained pediatric specialists.
Level IIIB NICU at Avera Children’s Hospital
Avera’s NICU is designed for babies who are born at less than 32 weeks of gestation or have special medical needs. The NICU’s Level IIIB designation means that the unit provides comprehensive care for the youngest babies, including advanced ventilation and even surgeries.
The 42-bed unit uses the latest technology and resources to best care for these newborns, including:
- Advanced imaging
- Advanced respiratory support, including ventilators
- Bedside laboratory testing
- Hemodynamic monitoring
- Neonatal surgery
- Pediatric subspecialists
- Specialized developmental supports
- Specialized beds for preterm infants
- Specialized NICU for high-risk and premature deliveries
- Therapeutic hypothermia
What to Expect in Avera’s NICU
- A multidisciplinary care team: Avera’s care team includes neonatologists, NICU nurse practitioners, NICU nurses, pediatric pharmacists, pediatric nutritionists, social workers, speech therapists, lactation specialists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and pediatric subspeciality physicians.
- Family-centered rounds: Every day, the medical team visits the patient’s room to form and discuss a daily care plan. Parents are encouraged to join rounds either in person or virtually.
- Parent involvement in daily care: The medical team works to ensure that parents are able to have as many normal newborn experiences as possible in the environment of a NICU.
Words From the Kyte Community
The true impact of Avera Children’s Hospital’s NICU can be seen through the voices of those who have experienced it firsthand.
“They are an amazing NICU with an even more amazing staff. They truly care for each and every patient, and provide a caring and supportive environment for families going through a difficult time. They go above and beyond, making memorabilia crafts, celebrating milestones with families, and providing the best possible care they can.”
-Bret B.
“Our son spent 76 in this NICU and received exceptional care from techs, doctors, nurses, and therapists. We would not have been able to make it through those long days without them. They care so much and deserve the world.”
-Montanna H.
“They took care of our son when he was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension at 18 hours old. They treated us with compassion and love as we navigated through intubation and extubation, oxygen needs through cannula and bipap, jaundice, baby being NPO, having low sugars, and losing weight. They also took notice of me and my mental health. They arranged a lactation consultant to help me make a pumping schedule and fit me correctly for flanges. They helped me with meal vouchers and really listened to me.”
-Kendra L.
“Our NICU is devoted to providing high quality care to the littlest of patients. I am extremely passionate about my job as a nurse here and care for each of these babies so much. This NICU is exceptional, and all of the staff care for our patients and work hard to make the NICU a great place to work.”
-Rochelle H.
How to Support Avera Children’s Hospital NICU
If you would like to give to the NICU at Avera Children’s Hospital, you may make a donation through their giving page. Select Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD and then enter your donation amount.
How to Nominate a NICU
If you have a NICU that you would like us to donate to, you may submit a nomination along with your story on our Nominate-a-NICU page.
Why We Donate to NICUs
NICUs play a vital role in protecting and nurturing the most fragile lives. Through our Nominate-a-NICU program, we are honored to support hospitals like Avera Children’s Hospital that provide exceptional medical care while fostering compassion, comfort, and hope for families.
By sharing your story, nominating a NICU, or making a donation, you help ensure that these specialized units can continue delivering life-saving care and meaningful support to newborns and their families for years to come.
