Kelli Kelley

Hand To Hold

Hand to Hold® is a national nonprofit 501(c)(3) that is dedicated to providing personalized emotional support, education and community for NICU & bereaved parents. Early intervention mental health support is provided to parents at no cost to families and all support is designed with the emotional, physical and social needs of the NICU parent. Our caring professional staff team (not volunteers) is comprised of trained NICU graduate and bereaved parents. Support includes: -Support groups* -One-to-one support* -Peer mentors -Counseling -Educational resources -Podcasts (Parent & Professional channels) -Hand to Hold mobile app -Comprehensive in-hospital bedside support with contracted partner hospitals* *Led by Hand to Hold's Family Support Specialists (Certified Mental Health Peer Specialists) with lived NICU and/or bereaved experience. We believe that Care for the Parent is Care for the Baby. When babies need the specialized medical attention of a NICU, it is emotionally traumatic to the parent and disruptive to traditional parent-baby bonding. NICU parents are up to 30% more likely to experience perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADS). Women of color are 2x more likely to experience PMADs. We are boldly removing barriers for equitable support by growing a hybrid model of in-person and virtual support in service to our vision. We envision a 🌎 where every NICU family has a trusted Hand to Hold through their NICU journey and beyond.