History
Research shows that the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) experience is difficult not only for the infant but also the entire family and many issues that the family must deal with do not occur until the infant has been discharged from the NICU. Follow-up services may be recommended but families often fall “through the cracks” due to the myriad issues they must cope with at this difficult time. Infants admitted to the NICU after birth are at increased risk for long term disability and impaired development.  The CBHC vision is that all infants admitted to a NICU will be screened and identified for follow up services and supports to ensure optimal development.

System Enhancement:
Achieve Management, Inc., the MSO for Children’s Future Hillsborough, sub-contracts with the Healthy Start Coalition to provide a coordinated and integrated process of service provision for NICU graduates and other at risk infants, a critical need that exists in Hillsborough County.  

Healthy Start provides NICU screenings and follow up coordination at the four major hospitals in Hillsborough County: Tampa General; St. Joseph; University Community; and Brandon Regional.  NICU baby graduates who are not referred on to either the USF/Early Steps Part C or the Developmental Evaluation and Intervention (DEI) programs are eligible for the H.U.G. program for follow up services.   Families involved in the DEI program may also opt for services through H.U.G.

Through the Help U Grow (H.U.G.) program, NICU infants and their families have access to a rich, coordinated system of supports and services that promote their physical, social and emotional growth from birth to 12 months.  Several community providers are engaged to assist families with their needs including but not limited to the Child Abuse Council’s Parents As Teachers program, Healthy Families / Healthy Start, Early Childhood FASST, and the Family Support and Resource Centers.   Working collaboratively, these organizations provide a much needed community support system for NICU infants.  Children’s Future Hillsborough is committed to a comprehensive system of care which provides integrated, family-friendly, outcome-based care to these special needs infants and their families.