Neonatal Intensive Care Awareness or #NICUAwareness Month, is hosted in September of every year and is designed to honor NICU patients, their families, and the NICU professionals who care for them. #NICUAwareness Month fosters a supportive, empowering community for families when they are faced with life’s most challenging and difficult moments; and honors those who dedicate their lives to helping them.

This September, we’ll amplify the voices of NICU families, leverage resources to address their needs, and forge a vibrant community, on national and local levels.
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We hope we can count you in!

Light up your community buildings & homes!

We are asking buildings to light up green on September 30, NICU Awareness Day - or even for the whole month of September. View and edit our sample letter request.

Tell your story

A powerful approach to inspiring hope and helping people understand the experience of life in the NICU.
  1. Share your story on social media using the hashtag #NICUAwareness.
  2. Interview with local media.
  3. Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper.
  4. Submit your story  to share with us here.

​Check out our interviewing tips.

Give back to your NICU

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​1. Raise funds for equipment and other items needed in your NICU. Most NICU's will have a wishlist of items that would improve the quality of care provided in their unit.

​2. Deliver in-kind donations for families of babies in the NICU. Families experiencing a NICU stay will find comfort in items donated to benefit their health and the well-being of their baby. Check out our store for some NICU items and gear.
​​3. Host an event in which families can connect with one another. Consider planning an event at your hospital in which you provide a meal, crafting event, photo session or other service that promotes interaction. Families will benefit from connecting with others that have endured a similar journey.
​Check with your local NICU about current restrictions and guidelines. 
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​4. Support the staff who have dedicated themselves to caring for patients in the NICU. Bring meals or special gifts to let them know you appreciate all of their work.
​5. Deliver a random act of kindness in honor of your NICU baby. Download one of the printable card templates below. 

Start a Fundraiser

Start an independent peer2peer fundraiser to support NICU families. All proceeds go to support Project Sweet Peas, a non-profit dedicated to providing care packages, hospital events, financial support and other services to NICU families nationwide. Those who raise $200 or more will receive a free NICU Awareness Month t-shirt.

NICU Awareness Month T-Shirt Fundraiser

Spread awareness and support NICU families by purchasing a NICU Awareness Month Fundraiser. A portion of the proceeds benefit Project Sweet Peas.

Spread the Word

Post or tweet on your social media platforms. Use #NICUAwareness to stay connected to others posting about the month. You can use the following examples, or create your own!
  • September is #NICUAwareness Month! I support awareness, because 1 in 10 babies will face a stay in the NICU.
  • This month I am honoring all babies for #NICUAwareness Month. Join me by visiting www.nicuawareness.org.
The below graphics are free to use during NICU Awareness Month. 

No part of the graphics may be edited, removed, or changed in any way without prior written approval from Project Sweet Peas.

Post a September Selfie

​Post a #SeptemberSelfie sharing with others who you are honoring this September. Download the printable file below.

Write a Note

Write a note to a NICU Nurse or staff member who made a difference for your family; or share some advice to current  NICU parents. Download one of the below printable cards to get started. 

Change Your Profile Picture

Use one of our profile graphics below to raise awareness.