RESOLUTION
BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT COLLINS-BELLAMY, MAJORITY LEADER RUBBO, MINORITY LEADER BREEN, MAJORITY WHIP NORMAN, COUNCILMEMBERS PINEDA-ISAAC, DIAZ, AND HODGES:
RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING SEPTEMBER AS NICU AWARENESS MONTH, SEPTEMBER 29 AS SIBLING SUPPORT DAY, AND SEPTEMBER 30 AS NICU AWARENESS DAY.
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WHEREAS, National Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Awareness Month is observed every September to raise awareness about the experiences of premature and critically ill newborns and their families, recognize the specialized care provided in Neonatal Intensive Care Units, and promote support for NICU families; and
WHEREAS, Neonatal Intensive Care Units provide specialized medical care to newborns who are born prematurely, critically ill, or in need of additional medical support; and
WHEREAS, Babies who require care in a NICU may face serious medical challenges, and their families often experience emotional, physical, and financial challenges while navigating their child’s medical journey; and
WHEREAS, NICU Awareness Month honors the strength and resilience of NICU babies and their families, while recognizing the dedication of healthcare professionals who provide lifesaving care and support to newborns and their loved ones; and
WHEREAS, The NICU journey can be a challenging and uncertain experience for families, making awareness, education, compassion, and support essential to helping families navigate the care and recovery of their newborns; and
WHEREAS, Raising awareness about the NICU experience helps promote understanding and support for families in our community, while recognizing the importance of specialized neonatal care and the healthcare professionals who provide it; and
WHEREAS, September 29 is recognized as Sibling Support Day, honoring the brothers and sisters of NICU babies and acknowledging the unique experiences of siblings whose families are navigating a NICU journey; and
WHEREAS, September 30 is recognized as NICU Awareness Day, celebrating NICU graduates, current patients, and their families, while recognizing the strength, resilience, and journeys of newborns receiving specialized care; and
WHEREAS, These dedicated observance days provide an opportunity to raise awareness, recognize the experiences of NICU families, and promote compassion and support for all those impacted by a NICU journey; and
WHEREAS, The ongoing efforts to support NICU families, promote education, and raise awareness are critical to ensuring that Yonkers residents understand the challenges faced by premature and critically ill newborns and their families; and
WHEREAS, The City of Yonkers recognizes the importance of honoring NICU babies, their families, and the healthcare professionals who work tirelessly to provide specialized care and support; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Yonkers City Council hereby commemorates and declares September 2026 to be National Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Awareness Month in the City of Yonkers.