OUR MISSION
Hand to HoldĀ® is dedicated to providing early-intervention mental health support before, during, and after a NICU stay, ensuring that all NICU families thrive.
OUR WHY
When babies need the specialized medical attention of the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), it is emotionally traumatic to the parent and disruptive to traditional parent-baby bonding. NICU parents are more likely to experience postpartum depression, anxiety disorders and PTSD.
OUR MODEL AND IMPACT
Hand to Hold was founded in 2010 with one goal in mind: to ensure no NICU family ever felt alone in their journey. Since then, our model built upon the effectiveness of peer support has grown to include bedside support in the NICU in our partner hospitals in Texas, virtual support groups nationwide, and free counseling with licensed professional counselors for NICU and bereaved families in Texas and Florida.
Hand to Hold understands the unique challenges faced by NICU families. Our dedicated support staļ¬, trained to understand the unique journey of NICU parents, provides consistent, reliable, and expert careĀ that truly resonates.
For more than a decade, Hand to Hold has supported thousands of NICU families with evidence-based programs proven to reduce isolation, improve mental health outcomes, and strengthen family well-being. Grounded in lived experience and professional expertise, our model pairs compassionate peer support with trusted education and counselingāhelping families feel more prepared, less alone, and supported long after their NICU journey begins.
Our Values
Belonging
We foster safe and caring spaces for healing. We cultivate a community of empathy, honor each unique journey and prioritize peer support.
Compassion
We recognize the heartache, grief and trauma NICU families experience and meet them where they are with grace and acceptance.
Equity
We commit to fairness and impartiality in all that we do. We must be well-informed and inclusive of all perspectives to meet diverse needs with accessible, comprehensive support.
Integrity
We are trustworthy, honest, reliable, authentic and accountable. We commit to holding ourselves and our partners to the highest of standards.
Bold
We are thought leaders and change makers. We embrace vulnerability and engage in courageous conversations.
Growth
We are always learning, developing innovative programs and evolving strategies to champion a world where all NICU families thrive.
Hand to Hold is an active member of the National Perinatal Association and its Family Advocacy Network. We are a founding member of the NICU Parent Network and active in the National Coalition for Infant Health. For information on speaking opportunities, visit our newsroom.
Hand to Hold is a nonprofit 501(c)3 parent support organization, and information and resources provided here do not intend to take the place of the relationship between a patient and personal physician.
Partnering Organizations
