February 2025 total $9001.16
Baby Sharon Committee Meeting 2/25/25
Present on the zoom call were Richard Emmel, Mark Pearson, Al Adams and Patrick Casey with Jacob Grummer of the ACH Social Work Department
Case 1: This case involves a 2 month old admitted to the NICU for multiple issues including osteogenesis imperfect (a genetic disorder) as well as double outlet right ventricle. Patient’s respiratory functioning also deteriorated which resulted in intubation. Due the critical situation of the patient’s osteogenesis, they will need to be intubated for several more weeks. Patient’s caregivers live more than 50 miles from ACH and have recently separated. One of the patient’s caregivers is currently not employed but is cleared to start looking for employment and the other caregiver is on disability. All of these issues have understandably placed a lot of stress and financial strain on the family including getting behind on their electric and water bills. Therefore, we are submitting for your consideration the following utility needs to help family get back on their feet as they navigate through these difficult situations: Electricity ($399.64) and Water ($147.74). Total Ask: $547.38 Approved $547.38
Case 2: This case involves a recent newborn whose twin passed away before birth. The patient was born with a few complications, which led to the admission to the NICU. Due the complications the patient has multiple diagnoses including seizures, and stroke. Both caregivers have been active participants in daily care and are fearful of leaving bedside due to the unsteady medical status as well as grieving for their other child. Both caregivers are employed but taking leaves from their jobs to care for their child. Due to their recent patient needs, they become behind on their electric bill, which includes late fees. Therefore, we are submitting for your consideration a request of $156.52 for the electric bill. Total ask: $156.52 Approved $156.52
Case 3: This case involves a 2 month old before prematurely due to complications for mother. Patient was diagnosed with double-outlet right ventricle and which requires long-term ventilation until they are big enough for cardiac surgery. This will require a long-term ICU admission. The patient’s family had recently moved to Arkansas and has almost no support in the state with only one family member living nearby. Patient’s mother was recently able to return to work but not getting many hours. Additionally during the patient’s admissions, the family lost their home. Family had found a property owner who was willing to help the family during their difficult time. The family had to utilize their limited finances to secure the deposit but they still need to make a prorated payment for this month and rent for future months. The property owner has provided family with a grace period. However, due to the patient’s medical status and upcoming surgery, patient’s mom may need to take additional days off work to be at bedside. Therefore we are submitting for your consideration a request of 4 months’ rent ($815 X 4= $3260) to help family get back on their feet and avoid an eviction. Total ask: $3260 Approved $2445 for 3 months’ rent. The family is invited to request more in the future if needed.
Case 4: This is the second request for support from this family, the first in 2024.This case involves a 3-year-old patient currently admitted in the PICU for RSV bronchiolitis. Patient is trach/vent and g-tube dependent in addition to other medical complexities. Patient’s medical needs require access to electricity at all times. Family also have several other children at home so one caregiver have to be a bedside and the other caregiver cannot work due to caring for the other children’s needs. This has resulted in them becoming behind on their electrical bill. Therefore, we are submitting for your consideration a request of $456.65 for electricity. Total ask: $456.65 Approved $456.65
Case 5: This case involves a 4 month old former 26-week preemie who transferred and currently admitted to the NICU for respiratory distress and extreme prematurity. The patient has other concerns are well including chronic lung disease, immature retinas among others. When patient is able to be discharged, they will likely have to continue on oxygen support. The patient’s caregiver is sole support and has another child as well. They recently had to find new housing due to their old apt being sold and price increases. The caregiver works full time but had to take time off surrounding the patient’s delivery. Caregiver had depleted their funds in order to secure the new apt. Once patient discharges, they will need to go a developmental daycare so caregiver can return to work full time. This can take several weeks to obtain a spot, as there is only one daycare where family resides. Therefore, we are asking for some rental assistance help caregiver get back on their feet and help maintain housing, as they will need to take off additional time off work (unpaid). We are submitting for your consideration, a request for 3 month’s rent ($2,400). Total ask: $2,400 Approved $2400
Case 6: This is the second request for support from this family, the first occurring in 2024.This case involves a nine-month-old patient currently admitted to ACH since May 2024. The patient has a complex medical history including bronchopulmonary dysplasia, chronic lung disease, and is tracheostomy, ventilator, and G-tube dependent. This family is of limited resources and income. Caregiver was recently involved in a car accident, which left the family without their sole mode of transportation. Caregiver put a down payment for a new vehicle, but needs assistance completing the payment. Due to having to make the down payment, the family is also in need of assistance with utility bills. This family is in need of a reliable mode of transportation due to patient parents to be at bedside to learn care and requiring consistent follow up upon discharge. Therefore, we are submitting for your consideration the following needs (Electric $147, Gas $145.34, and Car payment $1800). Total ask: $2,092.34 Approved $2092.34
Case 7: This is the second request for support from this family, the first occurring in 2024.This case involves a 10-month-old cystic fibrosis patient currently admitted in ACH with an estimated stay of another month. Both caregivers work but one has to stay at bedside while the other stays with the other children so are experiencing reduced income at this time to pay monthly bills. Family lives over 2 hours from the hospital and have to travel to/from frequently for appointments so transportation is essential for the family. Therefore, we are submitting for your consideration a request of $903.27 towards car payments. Total ask: $903.27 Approved $903.27
